
Class ____ 
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MEMOIR 

OF 

REV. BELA JACOBS, A. M. 

COMPILED CHIEFLY FROM HIS 

LETTERS AND JOURNALS, 

WITH A SKETCH OP HIS CHARACTER, 

BY 

BARNAS SEARS, 

PROFESSOR OF ECCLESIASTICA.L HISTORY IN THE NEWTON 
THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTION. 



^'Bereaved, yet bowing to our lot, 
Our onward path we tread; 

While mournfully we gather up 
The mantles ot the dead." 



BOSTON: 

GOULD, KENDALL & LINCOLN. 

No. 59 Washington Street, 

1837. 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1837, by 

Gould, Kendall & Lincoln, 
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 



Printed by William A. Hall &, Co. 






PREFACE. 



The records of a good man's life are generally short 
and simple. The incidents in his history are few, and, 
except to those who loved him, without interest. It was 
not otherwise with the subject of the following pages. 5 j 
His story might almost be written in the form used in 
Scripture. " And he lived fifty years, and he died." Yet 
as we believe that he did not live and die in vain, and as 
to some hearts, a selection from the papers of their friend 
and minister, will afford satisfaction, the selection has been 
made ; and this little volume is now offered to them, in the 
hope that it may have an influence — as had the living pres- 
ence of the departed, to comfort and to cheer. 



VI CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

CHAPTER VI. 

Extracts from Journal — Recognition as Pastor of the 
Church in Cambridge — Close of his first year in 
Cambridge— Visit to Pawtuxet— Extracts— Close 
of year 1819 - - 107 

CHAPTER VII. 

Extracts from Journal — Journey to New Hampshire 
— Distress on account of ill heahh — Remarks on 
Religious Subjects 126 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The year 1823 — Extracts from Journals — Six Months 
illness ---_-___ 143 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Year 1824— Ministerial Trials— Revival of Re- 
ligion among his People _ _ ^ - 156 

CHAPTER X. 

The Years 1825. '26, and '27 — Increase of his Church 
during 1827 ' - 179 

CHAPTER XL 

Year 1827 continued — A Journey commenced which 
was interrupted by an Accident— Kindness receiv- 
ed at this period 190 

CHAPTER XII. 

The years 1830, '32— Death of Mr. Weston— A RcTi- 
val of Religion in Cambridge - - - - 199 



CONTENTS. Vll 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Conclusion of year 1832 — The beginning of 1833 — 
Resignation of the Pastoral Office - - 221 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Journal and Letters from the Western States - 228 

CHAPTER XV. 
Extracts from Letters 257 

CHAPTER XVI. 

NoticeofMr. Jacobs' Death— Remarks - - 280 

Lines on the Death of Mr. Jacobs _ - _ 292 

Sketch of Character — by Professor Sears - - 295 



CHAPTER I. 



SOME ACCOUNT OF HIS EARLY LIFE CONVER- 
SION PREPARATION FOR THE MINISTRY 

LETTER FROM MR. PHIPPEN. 



Bela Jacobs was born in 1786, in the town 
of Dighton, Mass, Concerning his early years, 
but htile can now be ascertained. He has left 
no papers which record the circumstances of 
his childhood, and no relatives, from whom any 
information can be obtained. He was the 
youngest of his father's family, which consisted 
of nine children, none of whom are now living. 
The most that can be related of this period of 
his life, was gathered from himself in the unre- 
serve of domestic intercourse, when he told sto- 
ries round the winter's hearth. His father re- 
moved to Newport, R. I., before his remembrance. 
His mother was, for many years previous to her 
death, insane; so much so, as to need personal 
restraint. The only recollection of herself, she 
left her son, was that of just escaping a fork, 
which, while under the influence of this dread- 
ful disease, she threw at his head. She must 
have died while he was very young, as he was at 
this time but ** a little higher than the table," 
1 



10 BELA JACOBS. 

and never afterwards saw her. His father was 
a serious man of few words, much respected by 
his family ; he died at sea of yellow fever, when 
his youngest son was not far from fourteen years 
of age. 

Previous to the father's death, the sons had 
all been settled to some employment. Most of 
them had chosen the sea- One was in the shop 
of an apothecary in Warren ; and the subject of 
this memoir had been placed as an apprentice to 
the business of rope-making. Disliking his em- 
ployment, not pleased with his employer, and 
fascinated with the sea, he ran away from home, 
and requested a place as cabin-boy, in a vessel 
then ready to sail. The captain agreed to take 
him; '* that is, ^' added he, '* if you are not a 
run-away apprentice/' The youth, with the 
ingenuousness he always possessed, replied that 
he was, and consequently lost the place. Wheth- 
er he was detected by his father in this attempt, 
or whether he despaired of success, he relin- 
quished his design, and from this time labored 
steadily at his trade ; working extra hours to 
furnish himself with the means of attending an 
evening school. As it fell to his lot, to be the 
hewer of wood and drawer of water to his mas- 
ter's family, this part of his duty was performed 
at times taken from his repose, and from his 
meals, that nothing might prevent his acquir- 
ing some knowledge of writing and arithmetic, 
to which attainments his ambition was at this time 
confined. Immediately on his father's death, 
he bound up his few clothes, and fewer books, 
and set out alone and unfriended, to go he knew 



BELA JACOBS. 11 

not whither. After walking till he was quite fa- 
tigued, he sat down on a stone, and wept bitter- 
ly ; he thought of other boys, who had parents 
to care for them, and friends, while he, house- 
less and forlorn, was destitute of all. At length, 
his mind settled on one object, a little less dark 
than the rest. He had a brother in Warren, 
and he resolved to seek him ; he arose from his 
stone, and walked rapidly forward, till he enter- 
ed Warren; he did not there find his brother, 
but he found a friend in the benevolent apothe- 
cary of that town, Dr. Nathan Burr. For that 
gentleman and his family, Mr. Jacobs ever cher- 
ished the most grateful affection. The following 
extracts are from a letter written to the compiler 
of these papers, by a daughter of Dr. Burr. 
Between this lady and Mr. Jacobs, there subsist- 
ed a warm and uninterrupted friendship. After 
Miss Burr married, she was only occasionally 
resident in this country, and Mr. Jacobs rarely 
saw her ; she was, however, affectionately re- 
membered by him, and, *'I hope sister Betsey 
is not at sea in this storm," was with him a 
never-failing accompaniment to a high wind. 

'* I think that my lamented friend, your father, 
€ame to Warren, when about the age of fourteen, 
from Newport, where he was an apprentice to a 
Mr. Cahoone. Mr. C. died, and the indentures 
binding your father to the wife, he remained at 
the walk, in care of the foreman, by whom he 
was sadly abused. This ill treatment preyed on 
his health and spirits, and determined him to seek 
for a friend. He knew his brother Justin Allen 
had served an apprenticeship in Warren, but his 



12 BELA JACOBS. 

ideas of his situation there, seemed very imper- 
fect. He reached Warren, fatigned, hungry, 
and almost pennyless ; and, after looking about 
with intense anxiety for his brother, he went into 
a barber's shop, where he saw cake and beer for 
sale ; after eating a little, he rather loitered, 
which attracted the attention of the barber, who 
was a respectable colored man, and quite inquis- 
itive. Suffice it to say, he drew from the boy 
his tale of wo, and then strongly insisted that 
he should accompany him to the house of my 
father, and make known who he was, assuring 
him of a welcome reception at the Doctor's, (as 
Prince would say.) Prince also told him that 
his brother was absent at sea, which was a deep 
wound to his heart, as he could not conceive of 
receiving kindness and care from his brother's 
master, having been so unkindly treated by his 
own. 

** My parents received him with kindness and 
pity, and told him to remain with them until his 
brother's return, which, I think, would be in a 
few weeks. His great anxiety of mind brought 
on a fever during the night, and I perfectly re- 
member that both my parents were up with him. 
(My mother's very delicate health made this so 
unusual, that I recollect it particularly.) He 
remained sick three or four weeks. After his 
recovery, and his brother's return, matters were 
adjusted with his mistress, my father was ap- 
pointed his guardian, and he was again appren- 
ticed to Mr. William Barton, of Somerset. 
When he was sixteen, I think, both master and 
apprentice were brought to the knowledge of the 
truth, as it is in Christ Jesus!" 



BELA JACOBS. 13 

Mr. Jacobs was nearly seventeen, when his 
attention was first directed to the subject of reh- 
gion. He had previously been in some danger 
of becoming a wild young man. Possessing nat- 
urally a fine flow of spirits, and easy, social man- 
ners, telling a story well, and singing a song 
finely, his society was much courted by the idler 
and gayer part of his associates. He had to 
some extent become profane, and perhaps the 
honorable, generous, and noble feelings he pos- 
sessed, would not have afforded him strength 
sufficient to resist the temptations besetting 
him, had not the Lord in his mercy been pleased 
to impart the higher, holier influences of his 
Spirit. 

Mr. Jacobs was for some time rather fearful, 
lest by becoming religious, he should forfeit the 
favor and assistance of his brother, *' his sole 
remaining helper,'' While hesitating under the 
influence of this fear, he chanced to attend an 
evening meeting, whose results on his feelings 
were important. The meeting was held in a pri- 
vate house, and he, going early, placed himself 
in an entry, out of sight, as he supposed. He 
was however pressed forward by the crowd, and 
by the time service commenced, he found him- 
self directly opposite the minister, who an- 
nounced as his text, the words, '' there is a friend 
that sticketh closer than a brother." The event 
proved that his fears were groundless. On 
the avowal of his feelings with regard to re- 
ligious truth, his brother, now Captain Jacobs, 
expressed pleasure in the change, since, as he 

said, '' religion was the very thing to make a 
1# 



14 BELA JACOBS. 

Steady fellow of Bela.'' He was baptized in 
Somerset, by the Rev. Joshua Bradley, whose 
church in Newport he joined. 

He still remained with Mr. Barton at the 
rope-walk, where he might have been seen day 
after day, working with some school-book always 
in his bosom, ready for use at any leisure mo- 
ment. In this way he mastered some of the 
elementary branches of an English education. 
He applied himself also to the study of sacred 
music, in which he made considerable proficiency. 

About this time he went to Boston, Mass., for 
the purpose of claiming some property belonging 
to him as heir to a deceased brother. While in 
Boston he summoned courage to call on Dr. 
Baldwin, as he was, to use his own words, *' pos- 
sessed with a keen desire to see a man of whom 
he had heard so much.'' The Dr. received his 
bashful visiter with his characteristic kindness; 
and when he took leave, invited him to call 
whenever he was in Boston. 

Mr. Jacobs in after life frequently spoke of the 
pleasant, cheerful smile with which he was re- 
ceived by the great man whose house he had 
entered, and whose benevolent politeness was 
so grateful to the feelings of the uneducated but 
sensitive boy. 

I return to the letter of Mrs. C. ** Your fa- 
ther remained with Mr. Barton some time, per- 
haps a year, when Mr. B — relinquishing the 
business, gave up his indentures, and he came 
home to Warren, to decide on his future course. 
He daily felt the want of education, and ear- 
nestly desired to earn the means of obtaining it. 
He was thought competent by Mr. Barton, to 



BELA JACOBS, 15 

take charge of a rope-walk, and about this time 
he had an offer to that effect from Boston. But, 
before he was ready, the walk took fire and was 
consumed. While in Warren he worked for a 
few days in assisting to make a cable ; he here 
received a wound on his head, from which he 
suffered much ; he was obliged to be cupped 
and bled, and was unable to work for several 
weeks. After getting well again, he sought for 
journey-work at Bristol, four miles from us, and 
wrought with great diligence, often making sev- 
en days per week, and invariably getting up to 
our house on Saturday nights before tea, and 
spending the Sabbath with us ; and I recollect 
it was often made convenient to send him down 
in a chaise on Monday mornings. After leaving 
Bristol, he again made our house his home, at- 
tending the school of Samuel Randall, Esq. I 
think he was there six months ; he then went to 
the Rev. William Williams, in Wrentham. This 
was in the year 1807. 

'* His brother Justin Allen wished to assist 
him in pecuniary means, but this hope was also 
frustrated, as he was, we suppose, lost at sea. 
I have a few letters written by your father to 
mine, which I send you," 

Wrentham, AiJgust, 1807. 
Kindest of Friends^ — I cannot let this oppor- 
tunity slip, although I have nothing to write 
worth your attention. Nothing to write ? There 
is enough. Jesus and his grace are inexhaust- 
ible subjects, if I knew how to write on them. 
The soul that has had a discovery of the beauty 



16 BELA JACOBS. 

of Jesus, can truly say, He is altogether lovely ; 
while to those who know him not, he is without 
form or comeliness. While the latter are dis- 
gusted at the praise of Jesus, the former enjoy 
unspeakable delight in meditating on the fulness 
of his grace. I am sometimes permitted to take 
a peep at the glory of his love, and then I am 
refreshed ; but I wander much, very much from 
him, and love that distance but too well. Un- 
ruly cares seize my mind, such as " what shall 
1 eat ? what shall I drink ? and with what shall 
I be clothed ? " an anxiety for the future, how I 
shall live, what I shall do, and how I shall do it. 
Sometimes I think that I will crawl into some 
rope-walk and spend my life. This is part of 
the dark side in my feelings. Sometimes I am 
brought to be in a measure reconciled to God, 
and then I trust the promise that saith '' Verily 
ye shall be fed," and give myself wholly to the 
Lord, and pray to be made useful in the world. 
This I have received as part of my creed, that 
nothing but an humble dependence on God can 
make me happy, and that can ; but it is hard to 
reduce my creed to practice. 

October 19th, 1807. 
Dear Brother^ — I received your letter this 
evening, and the melancholy news that she 
whom you justly loved so well, and whom all 
who knew her prized, is now no more. The 
news was to me very solemn : I feel that by this 
stroke of death, I have lost an invaluable friend, 
and so have you and your dear family ; but let 
us remember that he who holds the reins of 



BELA JACOBS. 17 

government in his hands doeth right. Let us, 
dear brother, look forward with joyful anticipa- 
tion to the period when we shall join her who 
has passed over the Jordan, and has gained the 
peaceful shore to go no more out. I trust that 
we are on the road. 

The foregoing was written on hearing of the 
death of Mrs. Lydia Burr. 

October SSth, 1807. 
Respected Brother, — Through the mercy of 
our God, I am still spared and in good health, 
for which I hope I am thankful. We are ex- 
tremely prone to overlook the common mercies 
of God, and to neglect giving him praise for 
kindness bestowed daily. I am, as I suppose 
you and other Christians are, sometimes in the 
enjoyment of the smiles of Heaven, and souk - 
times, through my disobedience, I walk in dark- 
ness. I frequently make a short excursion into 
the neighboring towns ; I was yesterday in Bel- 
lingham, where I heard Mr. Robinson, of Har- 
vard, who is a good preacher and an agreeable 
man. I have also visited Mr. Reed, of Attle- 
borough, and I intend at some convenient time 
to give Dr. Emmons, of Franklin, a call, and Mr. 
Fisk. Thus I try all things, I hope I shall hold 
fast the good. 

Nov. 2Gth, 1807. 
Dear Friend and Brother, — The good Lord 
is pleased to continue to me the inestimable 
blessing of health, together with some desire to 



18 



UELA JACOBS. 



serve him, which is better than health. You 
will receive my cordial thanks for the line you 
sent me, with your other favors. 

I am sorry to learn, by Br. M — , the back- 
wardness of your people to attend the worship 
of Almighty God. It is not to be expected that 
the people of the world will always attend, but 
for Christians to forsake the assembling of them- 
selves together, is not only repugnant to the 
scriptures of divine truth, but to the spirit they 
have received. I am persuaded that you feel 
some of the load of Zion, and see how she 
mourns that so few come to her solemn feasts. 
I hope you are enabled to keep the buyers and 
sellers out of your heart, and have that placed 
where true riches are. 

I should write to some other friends in Warren 
if I had time and matter, but as there are some 
bright geniuses in my class, and as I am myself 
a dull scholar, I have to study pretty closely. 
We finish Virgil this week, and enter Cicero 
the next. I find the Greek to be as crooked as 
it looks ; but they say it comes butt end fore- 
most. 

I hope you enjoy the smiles of our Divine 
Master. In your devotions remember me, and 
beseech with me the Lord, that in the pursuit of 
information I may not forget that wisdom which 
cometh from above. 

Hoping, for the benefit of my studies, not to 
have any occasion for seeing you before spring, 
I am yours, &/C. B. Jacobs. 

It was during Mr. Jacobs' residence inWren- 
tham, that he first suffered from asthma, which 



BEL A JACOBS. 19 

was in him not hereditary, but the result of a 
sudden and violent cold. He always preserved 
a grateful remenibrance of the kindness shown 
liim by the family of Mr. Williams, during the 
frequent attacks of this disease, which he expe- 
rienced while there. 

Extract from a letter lately received, from the 
Rev. Mr. Phippen, of Canton, Connecticut. 

** I have busied myself this morning, in look- 
ing over my journal, while at Mr. Williams'" 
and consulting other dates, for reminiscences of 
my much-esteemed friend and brother, and your 
beloved and very affectionate father. Allow me 
to say, I rejoice you have it in contemplation, to 
publish a little book — the memoirs of him who 
was so dear to you all — the daughter's tribute of 
affection. ' Tis well so to do ; may Heaven smile 
upon your labor of love — * The memory of the 
just is blessed.' 

" I hasten to answer your inquiries, in the or- 
der in which they stand in your first letter. 

** Your father commenced study at Rev. Mr. 
Williams' private academy, in Wrentham, at the 
beginning of the summer or fall term, in 1807, 
and remained there, either a year or fifteen 
months. I cannot be positive on these points, 
as there is a deficiency in my journal about that 
time. My impression is, however, he commenc- 
ed with the summer term, and remained there 
about fifteen months. 

" He held a very respectable rank among his 
fellow-students : if my memory serves me, your 
father and myself were in the same class, in 



20 BELA JACOBS. 

most, if not in all our studies. He commenced 
with the English — went through Virgil and Cic- 
ero, in Latin, and the Evangelists, and the Acts 
of the Apostles, in Greek. At the time he left, 
he was well fitted to enter college. Four of us 
entered Providence college, that fall, from Mr. 
Williams', and we deeply regretted that brother 
Jacobs could not enter with us, as duty called 
him another way. 

*' As to your father's distinguishing charac- 
teristics, T would say — he was thoughtful with- 
out abstraction, cheerful without levity, scrupu- 
lously conscientious without bigotry or super- 
stition — affable, frank, and generous. Many a 
time in our walks, he has referred to his boy- 
hood — the scenes of early adversity, his strug- 
gles with poverty, and ignorance, his diagrams 
and arithmetical calculations, performed with a 
stick on the sand ; his book under his arm, or 
placed in a spot to be seized at any moment, as 
he passed and repassed in the rope-walk, when 
in early life, he earned his bread ; but of these, 
he has doubtless told his children time and 
again. They are the stories with which you 
yourself perhaps were amused in prattling infan- 
cy, or instructed in riper years. And I men- 
tion them for one object only, to show that your 
father possessed a noble spirit, a spirit to rise 
superior to the adverse circumstances w'hich 
surrounded him in the morning of life. 

'' At the academy, I was the youngest profes- 
sor of religion ; much of the time, your father was 
my room-mate and bed-fellow. We were on terms 
of the closest intimacy, and friendship. As he 



BELA JACOBS. 21 

was several }ears my senior, I was in the habit 
of looking to him for advice and council, and 
cherished the utmost confidence in his disinter- 
estedness and solid piety. 

*' We were four in number — Baptist profes- 
sors, and all looking to the ministry of Jesus 
Christ, as our calling for life. We felt bound 
to watch over each other, and pray for each 
other, and we adopted several plans to promote 
the spirit of true piety among ourselves, into all 
of which your dear father heartily entered. In- 
deed he was always forward to aid, in every way, 
our spiritual prosperity. 

'' I find, in my journal, the copy of an agree- 
ment, into which those whose names are an- 
nexed, severally entered, for the purposes there- 
in specified. It will, I presume, be interesting 
to you to have it, as the original, if I remem- 
ber right, was written by your father, and after- 
wards submitted to those concerned, to make 
such alterations as they might think proper. 
And furthermore, when you are informed that 
we endeavored to live up to this agreement, you 
will have an answer to the character of his piety 
— his employment out of study hours, 6lc. 

Wrentham, March, 1808. 
" ' We, whose names are undersigned, being 
brethren in the common cause of religion, and 
proposing to live some time together, for our 
mutual benefit and furtherance in the gospel, do 
solemnly, and in the presence of God, enter into 
this covenant among ourselves, viz. that we will 
endeavor to live more agreeable to our profes- 
sion in future — to accomplish which we will 
2 



22 BELA JACOL^S. 

watch over each other in Christian charity, more 
faithfully than we iiave done; and for a help to 
our minds, and as a means to keep our minds 
upon the solemn duties of our high calling, we 
agree to meet among ourselves weekly, on Sat- 
urday evening, if there be no lawful impediment ; 
that this time shall be entirely spent in religious 
duties — that the meeting shall be opened and 
closed by prayers — that the intervals shall be 
taken up in religious conversations, instruction, 
reproof, exhortation and praise ; that in these 
meetings there shall be no warm disputes, but 
all shall be done for mutual benefit, in Christian 
candor, love and unity. And for the further 
improvement of our minds, in Literature and 
Theology, we agree that two of us shall, in the 
course of the week, write a piece of composition, 
on some religious subject, of our own choice, 
and present it at the weekly meeting for inspec- 
tion. And further, as exercise is necessary for 
the refreshment of our bodies, as well as the re- 
laxation of our minds, we agree to take a walk 
together every afternoon after recitation, if the 
weather will permit, and that in these walks, 
our conversation shall be confined to religious 
or useful subjects. These things we agree to, 
with what alterations and additions from time to 
time may be thought proper to be made. 

BELA JACOBS. 
ISRAEL ALGER. 
DANIEL CHESSMAN. 
GEORGE PHIPPEN.' 

*' Your father was occasionally the subject of 
depressed feelings, but he rarely spoke of them. 



BELA JACOBS. 23 

His piety was a happy mixture of principle and 
feeling, which showed itself in subdued passions, 
in love to God and the souls of men, and in 
making efforts to live for usefulness and heaven. 

** At the time we entered into the above agree- 
ment, we were in the habit of rising at day- 
dawn and taking a long walk ; towards night, 
we took another long walk of an hour. The 
time was occupied in conversing on texts of 
scripture, and some thesis previously propounded. 
These were profitable seasons, and no one was 
more interested in them than your father. 

*^We held meetings on Lord's-day evenings, 
and very frequently on week-day evenings, some 
two or four miles distant from our residence. 
Perhaps I more constantly attended those meet- 
ings than any other brother, and your father 
more frequently than any other one accompanied 
me. Many a precious season have we enjoyed 
together, not only in the little congregation of 
the saints, but by the way-side, or as we pur- 
sued our course over the meadows. We always 
walked, and almost always returned home after 
meeting. Memory loves to dwell upon those by- 
gone days ; but ah ! they are gone forever. 

*' During the summer of 1808, your father 
often preached : I have frequent records of his 
preaching in different places ; sometimes for 
Mr. Williams, and at others in different sections 
of the town ; with the record, I have also the 
chapter and verse from which he spoke. 

" 1 believe I have answered all your inquiries, 
whether satisfactorily I must leave, but I can as- 
sure you most cheerfully, I have been abundant- 



24 BELA JACOBS. 

ly rewarded for the little toil I have bestowed, 
in the chastening influence the calling up of 
by-gone scenes has produced upon niy own 
spirit, and in trying to do a little to embalm the 
memory of a dear departed friend.'^ 

Soon after leaving Wrentham, Mr. Jacobs re- 
ceived from an English gentleman of large for- 
tune, residing'^on Rhode Island, the offer of a 
collegiate education, lliough deeply grateful 
for the kindness, he saw fit to decline availing 
himself of it. He had left Mr. Williams' with 
impaired health, and he felt anxious to enter on 
the duties of the ministry. The people of Som- 
erset, where he had first commenced a religious 
life, were very solicitous that he should spend a 
year in preaching to them. For these reasons 
he relinquished his design of entering the college 
at Providence. 



CHAPTER 11. 



RESIDENCE IN SOMERSET PRIVATE JOURNAL- 
HE TEACHES A SCHOOL. 



Among Mr. Jacobs' private papers, the earliest 
bears this date, ''Somerset, October 1st, 1S08. 
Saturday. Left Warren this morning for this 
place, in order to stay a little while and preach ; 
but, alas ! how insufficient am I for the work ; 
my only strength is the help of the Lord. There 
is here a small Baptist church of about forty 
members, but they are mostly females, and poor. 
There are some Methodists in town, and many 
who care nothing about the worship of God, so 
that my prospects are small. But if the Lord 
will bless my labors to the comfort and benefit 
of his people, and to the teaching sinners his 
name, my purposes will be answered; for this I 
pray." 

I find the following resolutions with regard to 
the employment of his time. 

*' I intend daily to take my walks in the fields, 
to meditate and pray. May I be enabled to en- 
joy communion with Heaven. The rest of the 
morning I will devote to study. I must keep up 
2* 



26 BELA JACOBS. 

the constant practice of reading a chapter in 
Greek. May the Lord give me understanding 
to know his word. 

*^ Tuesday, October 4tth.— Spent the forenoon 
in study. I have begun to teach souls — but my 
instructions w ill have but little weight, unless my 
hfe corresponds with my preaching ; how then 
ought I ever to feel that 1 am accountable to 
God, that God who sees the hearts as well as 
the lives of his children. 

" This afternoon took a sail with a number 
of my friends I regret that I lost my ramble in 
the fields to-day ; had the pleasure of taking tea 

at , where I had some religious conversation 

with a gentleman from N. Hampshire. He is a 
Congregationalist ; his wife a Free-will Baptist; 
he appears to be an understanding believer, she 
an humble Christian. 

" Wednesday , 5tL — Spent the evening at 
home with a number of the female members of 
the church in conversation and reading ; had a 
lovely time in prayer before we parted. 

*' Thursday, 6th, — Our church meeting ; some 
difficulty between the brethren had not been 
taken up aright, which led me to explain to them 
briefly, the discipline of the church. There is, 
too, some uneasiness about politics, which in- 
duced me to talk a little on the duty of Chris- 
tians to subject themselves to the higher powers, 
and to walk circumspectly before all men. Oh ! 
if we had more love for our Master and for our 
brethren, all animosity would be destroyed, and 
we should walk in peace and union. I have 
felt to-day something of the greatness of the 



BELA JACOBS. 27 

work of preaching the everlasting gospel. I am 
much tried about it : shall I always feel as I do 
now ? wading through darkness and sorrow ? 
Those are happy who can follow their secular 
calling, and who are not impressed with the idea 
that it is their duty to preach. Lord, if thou 
hast called me unto this work, shine upon me, 
and enlighten my mind, and prepare me for use- 
fulness. 

^^ Wednesday^ October 12tJi. — I dreamed last 
night of catching a vast quantity of fish, and of 
climbing very high. Though I put very little 
confidence in dreams, 1 will interpret these : 
first, the Lord will make me a fisher of men ! 
may many be enclosed in the gospel net in this 
place and elsewhere ; secondly, I should pray 
that I may not become high-minded, but fear 
— that I may not rise in my own esteem, but 
rather grow humble. 

" Friday, 14//i. — Was called this morning to 
visit a woman dying of consumption. I found 
her apparently unacquainted with her situation, 
yet she said she was resigned to death, and 
weaned from this world : she thinks sickness 
and pain have made her reconciled to die, and 
says she has always trusted in the Lord. I 
endeavored to talk plainly with her, and to lay 
before her the necessity of being born again. I 
prayed with her and left. The Lord have mer- 
cy on her. 

** In the evening, crossed the river to attend a 
meeting in Freetown ; spoke from Mark i. 15. 
' Repent ye and believe the gospel.' As these 
people are in Smith's connexion, I tried to be 



28 BELA JACOBS. 

particular on one or two points in proclaiming 
to them the gospel ; viz., the divinity of the Sa- 
vior and the eternal punishment of the impeni- 
tent. Several of the young converts spoke 
afterwards, and on the whole we had a good 
meeting. We experienced much difficulty in 
returning, as it was low tide, and the boats all 
aground. We did not accomplish it till near 
midnight. I feel greatly for those young con- 
verts, and pray that they may be led into truth, 
and saved from errors that are prevailing. 

** Saturday ^Ibtli. — Again visited the sick wo- 
man spoken of yesterday. I found her very ill, 
and barely capable of speaking. There appears 
to be no alteration \n her views. 

^'Evening. — She is dead ; no change of feel- 
ing was perceived in her to the last." 

On this evening Mr. Jacobs walked to War- 
ren, and the next morning to Swanzey,to preach. 
The fatigue, added to the exertions of the Friday 
evening previous, induced a severe attack of 
asthma. The first day he was able to write, he 
makes this remark : *^ This is truly discouraging, 
yet God is good, and those who trust in him will 
find him so, to their abundant joy." 

** Friday, October 2StJi. — We were warned 
this morning of the approach of winter by a 
flurry of snow and a cold wind, while my heart 
feels cold as the weather is. Oh! that I may be 
warmed by the sweet influences of the Spirit of 
God. I am quite feeble too in body — am op- 
pressed with a weakness of the stomach, very 
disagreeable to a speaker ; still would I say, * the 
will of God be done.' 



BELA JACOBS/ 29 

** Sunday, November (yth. — ^I hope I shall nev- 
er again have the unhappiness to pass a Saturday- 
night like the last. There was below my room a 
frolic, on the occasion of choosing officers in the 
militia ; they were drinking, shouting, singing, 
swearing, and fighting all night. I had but 
very little rest ; a poor preparation for preaching 
to-day." 

At this time he decided to commence teach- 
ing. It is pleasant to observe the self-diffidence 
with which he contemplated it : he says, ** I 
have an idea of taking a school ; but my abilities 
are so small, that 1 shrink at the thought. One 
thing is, I am quite a poor writer, I never expect 
to be a good one ; and then there are other 
things." 

Thanksgiving-day in Rhode Island, was spent 
in Newport with his friends in that place. The 
next day he writes, — 

*' November 25tli. — Catherine's day ; the rope- 
maker's holiday throughout the world. Not 
much mirth in the United States to-day, I pre- 
sume, on account of the embargo. What rea- 
son have I to be thankful to God for his good- 
ness to me, in redeeming me from th\3 influence 
of these vanities. 

** Thursday, December 1st. — Thdnksgiving- 
day in this commonwealth. At oui^ meeting I 
did not follow the somewhat general practice of 
discoursing on the politics of the day, but tried 
to exhibit to my hearers the duty of giving 
thanks to God. I hope it will not be all in vain, 
but prove of use to some soul.' With what depth 
of humility should Christians confess their sins 



30 BELA JACOBS. 

unto God, and pray that he would kad them to 
hinir^elf, the fountain of all good." 

Saturdai/, December 3d. — In view of the du- 
ties of the next day, he writes, " I have nothing 
more to say unto this people, and still 1 must 
preach." 

This depression of spirits seems to have been 
very common with him at this time, as almost 
every week he uses such expressions as these — 
'' What shall I say to this people ? " '' Ah ! 
my Saturdays are days of labor and trial," and 
on one occasion he writes, ''Preaching, alas! 
is become a task : what would God have me to 
do ! Oh ! may I walk uprightly." 

" Tuesday^ December Gth. — Opened school, 
and a task 1 had of it ; the business is entirely 
new to me, and the children unruly. 

*' December 7th. — This school weighs down 
my spirits, but I hope that when I become more 
acquainted with the employment, I shall like it 
better ; at least, if it is not so, I shall be unhap- 
py indeed, for it occupies all my mind. Tiie 
boys are very unruly, and keep me all the time 
talking and whipping; well, I shall conquer 
them bye and bye. 

'' December I2th. — I begin to be a little more 
reconciled to my new duties, but find it hard 
work to govern my school. I hope I am not so 
dull and obstinate to my teacher as are my 
scholars to me, but yet how little do I learn. 

Mr. B called on me to-day ; tlie bare sight 

of tUis friend is refreshing 

'' December 16. — Would I had more ardent 
desires to learn of the best of masters, of him 



BELA JACOBS. 31 

who taught as never man taught, his enemies 
being judges* Was obliged to whip four of my 
largest boys for mischief done in the school-room 
during my absence. The mothers all belong to 
the church, and are very angry about it, thinking 
me in the wrong. I am inclined to wish 1 had 
never taken tho school, as I believe a minister 
has enough, and more than enough to do, with- 
out teaching ; and he gets into difficulties, too, 
especially in a place like this, where the children 
have so long had their own way, and where the 
parents uphold them in all they do. 

''December 17. — ' Errare est humanum,' is 
a saying, the truth of which I experience every 
day. I had not trouble enough from yesterday's 
scrape — but I must run into another. Our state 
legislature, or rather two branches of it, have 
chosen the electors for President, which is not 
only different from the usual custom, but, as I 
think, unconstitutional. A number of individu- 
als drew up a remonstance, which 1 signed, and 
this has disaifected the minds of some towards 
me. I should not meddle with politics in any 
shape ; I hope this will teach me wisdom. This 
has been a sorrowful day to me. Oh ! if to-mor- 
row were not Sunday ! Father in heaven do 
thou smile on me, if others frown ; thy friendship 
is better than life. 

"■ Sunday morning. — I feel wretchedly, my 
mind harassed and dark. I must go preach to 
the people, though it seems to me as if I could 
as readily fly. Only God can help me ; hope 
thou, my soul, in Him. 

"• Evening, — The event has proved better than 



33 BELA JACOBS. 

my fears ; for I spoke with as much, perhaps 
with more freedom than ever ; but, as Bunyan 
says, * the trial was put on directly," and never 
did I feel more inclined to despond. Did not 
appoint a meeting for this evening. Some of 
my friends called to comfort me ; but it was in 
vain. I fear I shall never take any more com- 
fort in this place. 

*^ December 19. — In school all day. Spent 
the evening in reading Greek and Cowper's 
Task, which oest suits my present state of feel- 
ing. 

*^ December 20. — I may say of to-day as of yes- 
terday ; sickness is still with me in body and 
mind. Spent the evening at home, where I 
think my future evenings will be passed. I wish 
to see no one. My strength fails in this day of 

trial. The body of who was drowned on 

Sunday evening, has been found to-day. Death, 
there is a power stronger than thine, and fear- 
ful as thou art, thou shalt be overcome. 

*' December 22. — Stormy all day. Have done 
but little, and feel as if I could say nothing to- 
morrow. One of the sisters, who was grieved 
at my whipping her child, came to see me about 
it. She did not talk altogether as she ought, 
but I hope it will all be right at last. I must 
leave this place, if I am always to feel so here. 

^^ December, Tuesdai/ J 29. — Nothing new, save 
the mercies of God, which are ever new. My 
school duties do not allow me to think of any 
thing else. It will not do for me." 

What were the petty trials and discourage- 
ments of Mr. Jacobs' situation at this time, he 



BELA JACOBS. 33 

has not recorded minutely ; they probably arose 
from the narrow prejudices of the people around 
him, most of whom, though well meaning, were 
ignorant and bigoted ; and from his own sensi- 
tiveness, which was, at this period of his life, ex- 
treme. The sisters of liis church seem to have 
presumed on his youth, and inexperience ; as I 
find mention of one who called, with the ap- 
pearance of having been deeply aggrieved, to 
complain that the minister studied one very 
wicked book. On his requesting to be informed 
what it was, she replied that she did not know 
the name, but it was something about dealing 
with evil spirits. The volume to which she had 
reference was shown her, ^' Watts' Treatise on 
Logic," and its character explained ; but though 
somewhat relieved, the good woman could not be 
made perfectly to understand the distinction be- 
tween Logic and Magic. 

The subject of this memoir had trials of anoth- 
er sort to encounter. His sister at Newport, the 
only remaining member of his family, was, at 
this time, struggling with poverty and sickness, 
and he was unable to afford the assistance she 
needed. On receiving a letter from her, he says 
'* My heart bleeds for my poor sister, but I am 
utterly unable to help her; I can only commend 
her to the Lord." 

In a day or two he received a letter from some 
unknown friend in Warren, R. I., enclosing ten 
dollars. We have good reason to believe that 
this seasonable donation was appropriated to 
the wants of his sister. On the Tuesday follow- 
ing, he writes in Newport. 
3 



34 



BELA JACOBS. 



" January 24, 1809. — My sister is better 
than I had feared. What cause for thankful- 
ness." Under the same date he says, '* It is very 
difficult for me to introduce religious conversa- 
tion when in company with those who are averse 
to it. Oh Lord, seal my lips to vain commu- 
nications, and open my mouth in wisdom. 

*' Thursday^ January 26. — ^Endeavored ta 
preach this evening from 1 Corinthians, i. 30. 
After meeting, had a pleasant interview with 

S . Oh that the Lord would direct us 

aright, and if consistent with his will, open the 
way for our mutual happiness." 

Having finished his engagement in the public 
school on Monday, January 30, Mr. Jacobs be- 
gan taking private pupils. He seems to have 
been happier than before, but still expresses his 
opinion that a preacher of the gospel should 
'' give himself ?i;AoZ/?/ to the work." In all his 
after life, he constantly advocated the principle, 
that no secular pursuit should be allowed to oc- 
cupy the time or thoughts of a minister. His 
own experience confirmed the truth, of what 
observation had taught him ; that " the duties 
of a pastor were amply sufficient to fill the heart 
and the hands of any man." 

'' Wednesday, February 1. — The months roll 
round, but so little do I improve, or rather so 
much do I misimprove my time, that it turns to 
but little account. Still how plain is the lesson 
read to me by daily experience ; the wickedness 
of my own heart, and the unchanging love of 
my heavenly Father. 

*' February 2. — A letter, and a present of ci- 



BELA JACOBS. 35 

gars, from my much-esteemed brother, B. C. 
Grafton." Of Mr. Grafton and Mr. Phippen, 
mention is very frequently made in Mr. Jacobs' 
papers ; the attachment formed years before, 
continued throughout after life ; and, in the case 
of Mr. Grafton, was accompanied by frequent 
intercourse, till death separated them. The oth- 
er friends whose names most frequently occur, 
were Mr. Barton and Dr. Burr, of Warren. 

'* Saturday^ Fehruary 4. — Have been invited 
to settle at . I pray for more and more hu- 
mility, that the favorable notice of others may 
not affect me. Preached last night about a mile 
from home ;* the good sleighing drew out a large 
number. My subject was, ' All things are ready, 
come unto the marriage.' I feel as if it will 
not be in vain, but that the Lord will bless the 
humble effort. There were present two young 
lads of twelve years, who have seemed very 
thoughtful. 

^^ Fehruary 9. — My twenty-third birth-day. 
Almost six years of that time, I have professed 
to live for the service of God ; but alas ! how 
little has my life corresponded with my profes- 
sion. I have kept a diary most of the time for 
these three years past, and therein have record- 
ed little else than coldness, wanderings, and 
disobedience on my part, and numberless un- 
deserved mercies and blessings from God to 
me. Wrote to Newport, and devoted the rest of 
the evening to conversing with a number of my 
female acquaintances on religious subjects. 

" Sunday J February 12. — Had been much 
(distressed for several days, in the prospect of 



BELA JACOBS. 

preaching to-day at Dighton ; set off yesterday, 
but was obliged to return on account of the vi- 
olence of the storm. It was so excessively cold 
tills morning, that my breath froze on my muf- 
fler. Had a considerable congregation, and did 
not feel so badly as I had feared. After meet- 
ing rode home, and had the pleasure of hearing 
Elder Sawyer in the evening. These people 
are certainly more attentive and serious than 
they were. Oh ! that I may feel more for them, 
and be enabled to watch over them, with more 
fidelity and love. 

^^JVedrusdai/, Fthruary 15. — The^oodness of 
God still demands mv praise for continuing me 
on his footstool day after day, and for blessing 
me with such unwearied kindness. Should it 
not create in me shame for mv ingratitude ? 
How should I ever remember that the mercies 
of God are to lead us to repentance : and, that 
' few returns of love, hath my Redeemer found.' 
Had we more piety, we should no longer see 
such indifierence to the solemn truths of religion 
exhibited by those around us: but the hands of 
our faith are withered ; yet speak but the word, 
oh ! our Savior, and we will stretch them out 
whole. 

'•'Warren, JVtdnesrlai/, Fthruarif •2*2. — Came 
here to attend the anniversary of the Philanthro- 
pic Society, before which 3Ir. Randall delivered 
an address on Charity. This church have re- 
quested me to spend a few months with them. I 
am at a loss what to do. 

'^ Somerset, March 1. — Church meeting. I have 
felt greatly tried respecting my leaving this peo- 



BELA JACOBS. 37 

pie : talked to my friends about it ; they wish 
me to remain ; I am undecided still. Heard a 

good sermon last evening from Mr. . He is 

a kind of half-way Methodist and Baptist ; but, 
what is worth every thing else, he is a good man. 

** Saturday, March 4th, — I should do well 
enough if I w^ere willing to trust in the Lord, 
and be even a fool for Christ's sake ; but my 
pride makes me fearful lest I shall not answer 
the people's expectations. I must seek to please, 
not man who heareth with the ear, but God who 
seeth the inmost heart.'' 

One source of regret to Mr. Jacobs, was his 
inability to obtain suitable books; he speaks of 
his improvement being retarded, and his com- 
fort diminished by the want of information, 
which he had no means of obtaining. Hill's 
Village Di logues fell into his hands during this 
month ; he speaks of it as quite an acquisition 
to his library, and mentions ''reading it aloud 
in the family by way of preventing trifling con- 
versation, and hoping its contents might impress 
on those who heard it, the necessity of a godly 
life." 

'* March lOth.- — Our Savior taught his follow 
€rs to pray for daily bread ; that is, for every 
thing needful to supply the wants of both soul 
and body. What an inestimable privilege for 
the future. I hope to be more disposed to avail 
myself of it. It is not that I pass any day with- 
out prayer ^ but I do not pour out my whole 
soul before God, as a child asking from a father. 
I do not wrestle in prayer for a spiritual blessing, 
3* 



38 BELA JACOBS. 

as Jacob did. I resolve to give myself more to 
reading, meditation, and prayer. 

^^ SaturdciT/^ Wtli. — Notwithstanding my feel* 
ings yesterday, I am still the same. Are no 
motives strong enough to make a Christian live 
near the Lord ? 

** Tuesday^ l^tli. — Politics are the principal 
theme here now ; parties are all the while con- 
tending, and the more weighty concerns of the 
soul are overlooked. How long will it be ere 
men are wise ? May I be kept from again inter- 
meddling. 

^^ Saturday^ \Qth, — 

^ Awake my soul and soar above, 
Say, is not heaven worth thy love ? ' 

Had company most of the day, not very pleasant 
to me ; it is better to be alone on Saturdays. 
Received some papers and a letter from my dear 
friend, Dr. Burr. I think I desire to realize 
more what a Christian, and especially a Christian 
minister ought to be, and evermore would 1 pray, 
Lord, make me successful in thy service. 

*^ March 24:tli. — Held a meeting this evening 
for the church, who are to receive the commu- 
nion next Lord's day, the first time for a year. 
May a spirit of truth prepare us all for the sol- 
emn service. I am to exchange with Br. Bent- 
ley, of Tiverton. 

** Saturday, April 1st, — A visit from^Br. Bar- 
ton. I feel quite unprepared for the duties of 
lo-morrow. Death has been near us to day : 
one of our number, a child of about eighteen 
months, has bidden adieu to earth and time. 

" Sunday^ JiprW^d, — Felt this morning utter- 



BELA JACOBS. 39 

ly inadequate to the duties of the day. I was so 
affected in the morning at the low state of reli- 
gion here, and at the vast consequences resulting 
from having the word of life faithfully or unfaith- 
fully dispensed, that I could do little but weep. 
I tried, however, to speak from Rev. i. 7; * Be- 
hold he Cometh with clouds, and every eye shall 
see him, and they that pierced him ; and all the 
kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.' 

*^ Saturday^ April 8th, — Went to Warren on 
Tuesday, on some business; preached there in 
the evening, and was detained by the weather 
until now^ I have great satisfaction in reading 
the Memoirs of Pearce, of Birmingham, Eng. I 
do not know in modern times a pattern I wish 
more to follow." 

Mr. Jacobs always preserved his love for this 
book, and his admiration of the character of 
Pearce ; he called him '' the Lovely Pearce." 

*' On my return from Warren, I found a letter 

from S. : this was pleasant, and oh ! it 

is truly delightful, after a few days absence, to 
sit down in my own little room to study the word 
of God. Oh ! that the Spirit of the Heavenly 
One would fill my mind with truth, that I may 
come to this dear people to-morrow in the fulness 
of the gospel of peace ; that my teachings may 
be more like those of my Savior. 

^^ Sunday^ April 9th. — Morning, 9 o'clock. 
Have just risen from my knees where I enjoyed 
a sweet season in prayer. Oh Lord, my Re- 
deemer, I desire to thank thy holy name for all 
thy blessings, and none do I esteem so much as 
the light of thy countenance. Thou hast this 



40 BELA JACOBS. 

morning favored me. Oh ! be with me through 
the day, and help thy people here to worship 
thee in spirit and in truth. 

^^ Noon. — Preached this morning from that 
sweet text, * Thou shalt guide me with thy coun- 
sel, and afterward receive me to glory.' I feel, 
Lord, that I can put unbounded confidence in 
thee ; strengthen me, and enable me now to 
dedicate a half hour to prayer and meditation. 

*' Evening.-r—Re^d. and expounded the first 
ten verses of the 19th chapter of Luke. Several 
appeared to feel deeply. May it not be as the 
morning cloud and early dew, soon to pass away. 

^^ Monday, April ]Oth. — Rose earlier than 
usual this morning, and, after beginning the day 
with God in joyful prayer, I commenced a 
closer study of the Bible : have begun reading 
it at three different places — Genesis, Psalms, 
Matthew. I need to pray for understanding in 
all things. After devoting an hour to Greek, I 
went into school, but I feel as if the weeks would 
not roll away swiftly enough, before I finish this 
term. I have tried to like the employment of 
teaching, but cannot." 

Mr. .Jacobs ever after continued the method 
of reading the Scriptures commenced at this 
time, making one entire perusal in each year. 
I can remember his telling me some years since, 
that he had then read it in this manner twenty 
times at his private devotions. 

*' Tuesday Wth. — Took tea at , the con^ 

versation was not such as it should have been, 
though I tried to direct it better ; the evening 
ive devoted to prayer. How sweet to seek our 



BELA JACOBS. 41 

Savior's face. May my soul dioell in the pleasing 
work. And now to thy hands, my Lord and 
my Redeemer, I commit myself body and soul 
Keep thou me, and I shall be safe. 

Wednesday^ 12th. — My mind has been like an 
April day ; now a black cloud comes over, and 
all is dark ; and now the sun breaks through, 
and all is beautiful and fair. Attended a prayer- 
meeting this evening ; not many out, nor much 
said ; but some appeared solemnly impressed 
with the importance of religion ; oh, that the 
Lord would lead them to the rock that is higher 
than they. My earnest prayer is, that my labors 
may be blessed to the benefit of some souls in 
this place ; but though my devout petition should 
ever be, Let thy kingdom come in this place, 
may I never cease to add yet. Lord, ' thy will be 
done.' 

^^ Friday^ 14^7i.— Whatpleasingthoughts, what 
delightful anticipations are called up by that 
promise of a ' crown of glory that fadeth not 
away.' A crown — a crown of glory that shall 
never fade. My friends complain that I study 
too much, but I know that I have great need of 
study ; may I be enabled to make every thing 
subservient to the cause of truth. Spent the 

evening with the family ; the conversation 

turned on religious subjects, and we had a pleas- 
ant time in prayer ; may the visit do us all good. 

^' Saturday^ 15th. — Wrote to S. this morning, 
felt happy in speaking of the goodness of God to 
me, and in recommending to her and to myself, 
a closer walk with God. 

" *April 20^/«.— How much Ijneed to consider 



42 BELA JACOBS. 

the words of David, ^ So teach me to remember 
my days, that I may apply my heart unto wis- 
dom/ At our meeting this evening, a great 
number were present, and deep solemnity seem- 
ed to rest on the minds of all. I felt much en- 
gaged in recommending the delightful religion 
of Jesus, while the people appeared unwilling to 
go away, nor did they leave till nearly ten. May 
their souls be blessed with the light of truth from 
heaven. 

*'w^j?n7 21. — Spent the evening in conversa- 
tion with Mr. W., the Methodist preacher, on 
doctrinal points. We confined ourselves to two 
only ; election, and the perseverance of the 
saints. After praying with each other, we sep- 
arated. Oh Lord, lead both of us in the way 
thou wouldst have us to go. 

*' Sunday^ April 23. — I feel more and more 
my insufficiency for the work I have taken upon 
me. I felt very much depressed this morning — 
I tried to pray, but could not feel as I ought, 
and as I wished to do. Went to meeting, suf- 
fering under darkness of mind ; there were but 
few out. I endeavored to show what is implied 
in * worshipping God,' but I fear 1 spoke in 
vain. In the afternoon my text was, * It shall 
come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet 
shall be blown, (S^c.' Oh may those who are 
ready to perish, those outcast from the people of 
God hear his word — listen to the trumpet of the 
Gospel, and come to Zion with great joy. My 
most frequent employment, my daily exercise is 
to pray for sinners, to bemoan their careless 
istate. Help me, oh my God, to devote myself, 



BELA JACOBS. 



43 



my time, my all, to thy service. Inspire my 
heart with a real desire to live to thee as did 
Abraham, and to walk w^ith thee as did Enoch. 
A large congregation this evening. I read part 
of the 12th of John, and Mr. W spoke. 

'^3Tonday, April 24:. — Heard Mr.W. this even- 
ing, from 'Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner- 
stone.* He did not touch on the chief beauties 
of the text ; he only spoke of the properties of 
a corner-stone, such as its strength, its firmness, 
its standing though the building should be re- 
moved from it. Blessed be thou, oh Lord, who 
keepest thy saints by thy powder, through faith 
which is thy gift, unto salvation. 

*' Friday, April 28. — Alas my heart how hard 
- — how far do I wander from the right way^ 
Some few weeks past, and I said, ' My feet 
shall never be moved.' Lord smile on me again. 

' Thou who art thy people's sud, 
Shine -upon thy work of grace, 
Tf it be indeed begun.' 

'* I believe the Spirit of God first kindled the 
fire, and it is He who must support the flame, for 
sparks of my own kindling can never effectually 
warm my soul. 

'* Tuesday, May 9. — If a holy prophet ex- 
claimed, * Oh my leanness, my leanness,' with 
how much more reason can I utter the same 
self-condemning exclamation. Truly, when T 
reflect, what goodness and mercy have followed 
me all the days of my life, and how small the 
returns of love and praise I have made, I see 
abundant reason to cry out against myself, and 
to smite my breast ; and, not daring to look up 



44 BELA JACOBS. 

towards heaven, to say, ' God be merciful to me 
a sinner.' 

'' May 13. — This morning, while engaged in 
study, I was not favored with any enlightenings 
of the mind, or warmings of the heart ; but this 
afternoon I enjoyed a delightful meditation, 
while pacing through a rope-walk, which was, 
as I fondly trust, the scene of my spiritual birth. 
Took a retrospective view of the happy seasons 
I enjoyed in those days, and poured out my 
soul in prayer for a renewal of them. I felt like 
saying or singing — 

* My willing soul would stay 

In such a frame as this, 
And sit and sing herself away 

To everlasting bliss.' 

" Sunday, May 14. — ' And when they had 
nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.' 
I had a crowded house this evening. Began 
the Acts of the Apostles, from which I intend 
reading, each Sabbath, a chapter, or part of a 
chapter, on which I shall make brief remarks. 

^' Thursday, May 18. — Was cheered this af- 
ternoon by a visit from brother Reed, of Attle- 
borough ; he staid about three hours, and made 
me promise to supply his pulpit on next Lord's 
day. This is a great undertaking for me. 

^^Saturday, May 21. — Have been on a visit to 
Attleborough, and Wrentham ; having finished 
school, I feel quite at liberty. Preached on 
Sunday, the 21st, to Elder Reed's people ; went 
on Monday to Wrentham, to see my old precep- 
tor and his family, whom I did not find at home, 
and called on several of my friends in W . 



BELA JACOBS. 45 

I think I would rather be in Somerset than 
there. On Wednesday came home, found broth- 
er Leonard, of Plymouth, waiting for me. 

*' May 30. — Taking tea at was attack- 
ed by who calls himself a churchman, but 

who seems to me to be more fit for the synagogue 
of Satan. I talked to him very plainly. 

^'May 31.— Called on some of the poor sup- 
ported by the town, among whom I found some, 
who I think have been made free by the Son of 
God; if so, they are rich indeed, and heirs to 
boundless wealth, in a better land than this* 
Among them, was one good old man, who can- 
not Mwe long ; he seemed to be perfectly resign- 
ed to death, waiting till his Master calls him. 
I talked to them, and prayed with them, com- 
mending them to Him who doth all things well. 
** Thursday^ June 1. — Much has been said during 
the past week, about ordaining me as an evangel- 
ist, but no mention was made of it at the church 
meeting this evening. I received to-day a letter 
from a cousin in Woodstock, whom I have nev- 
er seen, and never before heard of, inviting me 
to go up there. It is possible 1 may do so in the 
fall. 

^^ Monday, June 5. — A year to-day I preached 
for the first time, before the church for its ap- 
probation, and for eight months past I have been 
preaching in this place with a little, and hut a 
little to encourage me. 

'* Somerset, Friday, June 9. — On Tuesday 

last, I went first to Swansey, heard Elder S • 

preach, and saw him afterwards baptize two in- 
dividuals. Then on to Warren, where I had tim 
4 



46 BELA JACOBS, 

pleasure of seeing Elder Burden, and also of 
hearing him preach. He seemed to speak with 
difficulty, feeling, I conclude, as I often do, with- 
out any thing to say, and not knowing how to 
say that. On Thursday evening, I attempted to 
preach to a small congregation from Luke xi. 
28. I think the work of the Most High is about 
to be revived in Warren ; some have joined the 
church of late, and there are other candidates. 
May there be many more converted to the ways 
of holiness. To-day, about sunset, 1 reached 
home. 

^^Sundai/, June II. — The first Wednesday of 
next month has been appointed for my ordina- 
tion. I think I feel at least in some degree the 
greatness of the responsibility which I am about 
to assume. If it be the will of God that I should 
thus enter more fully into the work, he will 
qualify me for rightly discharging its duties. 

'^ Monday, June \'2. — This morning, though 
not from inclination, I commenced school again. 
I am determined not to let it harass my mind, 
as it has done before; that is, ifl can help it. 
Have been busy writing letters to the different 
churches, who are to be invited to send dele- 
gates for a council, with reference to my pro- 
posed ordination. 

^* June 16. — Rose early, to gain time for stud- 
ying. Had a singing-school this evening, as 
several have requested me to instruct them, as 
far as I am able in music. I closed with prayer. 
God grant that we may sing with the spirit and 
with the understanding, that, at the last, we may- 
all join the unnumbered choir, in praising the 
name of the Lord, our Savior. 



BELA JACOBS. 47 

** Saturday^ June 1 7. — Spent the morning in 
the garden, the afternoon in my study. I daily 
need to make strong supplication, that God 
would make me more devotional, that, as I am at 
present considerably caressed, it may not prove 
to my hurt. May I have humility enough to go 
through good report, and grace enough to go 
through evil report. Lord, thou knowest I de- 
sire to love thee more, and serve thee better. 

^^ Sunday , July 2. — I felt miserably this morn- 
ing ; I don't know when more so. I implored the 
assistance of God, and found him, as always 
before, far better to me than my fears. My text 
in the morning was, * My son, give me thine 
heart.' In the afternoon I spoke with great 
freedom from Bomansvi. 22. My congregation 
has increased very much of late, and I am con- 
sequently much applauded ; but I know, and 
tny God knows, how unworthy I am. I regret 
that I accidentally saw some poetry written in 
my praise. I feel very much fatigued since lec- 
ture. Thus has commenced an important week ; 
how need I to pray continually, that I may be 
strengthened for the great office to which I ex- 
pect to be solemnly set apart. 

'^ Tuesday^ July 4. — The thirty-third anniver- 
sary of our National Independence. Brother 
Phippen preached for me this evening. We 
took, as usual, sweet counsel together. 

^^ July 5. — The important day has at last ar- 
rived, and I am to be solemnly consecrated to 
the great work of preaching the gospel to my 
fellow-men. My God, my God, strengthen thou 
me." 



48 BELA JACOBS. 

Mr. Jacobs mentions his regret, that the hurry 
and anxiety of the occasion deprived him of the 
opportunity for retired thought, and seif-examin- 
ation, which was desirable. 1 remember to 
have heard a conversation on this point, between 
himself and two of his friends, — the lamented 
Weston was one of them — in which they all agreed 
that on some of the most important occasions in 
their lives, they had felt comparatively little ; 
and one of them, I think it was Mr. Weston, 
s^d that he experienced, on the day of his ordi- 
nation, a sort of indescribable stillness, and want 
of emotion, and that it was not till afterwards, 
when the excitement had passed away, that the 
full solemnity of the act, by which he had been 
separated from the people, to be their priest and 
teacher, came over him with any degree of 
acuteness of feelinD^. 



CHAPTER III. 



HIS ORDINATION MARRIAGE. 



The churches who sent delegates to the coun- 
cil met to ordain Mr. Jacobs, were, the 1st and 
2d in Providence, the 2d in Newport, 2d and 
3d in Tiverton, 1st and 2d in Swansey, the 
church in Warren, and that in Dighton. The 
candidate gave to the council a narration of his 
Christian experience and call to the ministry, 
and made a brief statement of his doctrinal 
views, with which they were satisfied. 

The exercises of the ordination were as fol- 
lows :- — Introductory prayer by the Rev. L. Ba- 
ker. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Gano, of Provi- 
dence, from 2d Cor. ii. 17. ''For we are not 
as many, which corrupt the word of God, but as 
of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God 
speak we in Christ.'' The charge was given by 
the Rev. E. Sawyer. Fellowship by Rev. I. Cor- 
nell. Concluding prayer by Rev. I. Pitman. 

'' Thus have I been set apart — apart. What 
a day, shall I ever forget it?" 

*' Monday ^ July 10. — -Singing meeting this 
4* 



60 EELA JACOBS. 

evening. Lord, ever fill my soul with devotion, 
that I may sing thy praise with gratitude of heart." 

On the day succeeding this, he took his S 

home to Newport : he speaks of the delightful 
drive they had. '^ We felt/' he says, *' as they 
who love each other truly, always feel when to- 
gether ;" it was his intention to be married in 
the next autumn. With what almost impatient 
wishfulness, his social nature must have looked 
forward to the prospect of a home — a home of 
his own — can perhaps be rightly estimated only 
by those, who, like him, have known how bitter 
it is to be early left motherless, homeless, and 
nearly friendless, to make their way through life. 
After preaching twice at Newport, he returned 
to Somerset on Friday, July 14th. He feeling- 
ly contrasts his lonely and cheerless ride, with 
the pleasant one of the Tuesday before. 

^^ Monday^ July 24. — Busy through the day 
in school, in the evening, had a singing meeting. 
I have certainly as much as I can attend to. 
School night and day, besides my ministerial 
duties." 

He at this time preached usually three times 
on the Sabbath, had regularly a lecture on 
Thursday evenings, a prayer-meeting on Tues- 
day evenings, singing school on the evenings of 
Monday and Friday ; besides which, he had al- 
most every week one, and sometimes more than one 
extra service in the neighborhood. Had it been 
in his power to devote himself more to self- 
preparation by study, his subsequent usefulness 
might have been greatly increased ; but, for his 
own support, he was obliged to devote the best 



BELA JACOBS. 51 

hours of every day to an employment which was 
not agreeable to him, and for which he was un- 
suited : he, himself, never ceased to regret that 
it had been so ; that at a time when the dreadful 
complaint which afterwards so afflicted him, was 
comparatively light, he was obliged to forego 
all the advantages arising from study, and though 
conscious of the deficiencies under which he 
labored, was able to attempt repairing them only 
at short intervals, redeemed from other and en- 
grossing pursuits. But this was to be part of 
his earthly discipline. 

" Thursday^ August Sd. — Church meeting : 
received two individuals, one young man and a 
married lady, who are to be baptized next Sab- 
bath. May this be but a prelude to a more glo- 
rious shower. I rejoice exceedingly in this 
mercy of the Lord. 

*' Thursday J August lOth.- — In my lecture 
this evening, it came in course to read and ex- 
pound the first part of the 9th of Acts, and I 
had to touch on the efficiency of grace, and 
God's electing love in choosing Saul of Tarsus, 
which was rather crossing, as I had a Methodist 
minister at my elbow, but I felt that I ought not 
to flinch from my duty on that account. 

'' Saturday^ August l2tJi. — Had a letter this 

morning from Br. G , of Kingston. He 

talks of leaving, and wishes me to visit him, that 
I may see how I would like that place. I hope 
I shall ever do what is right in this, and in every 
other case. 

" Sunday^ August 13tJi. — Felt severely tried, 
as I had before me to-day new and important 



52 BELA JACOBS. 

duties. My text, this morning, was ' If thou be- 
lievest with all thy heart, thou mayest.' After 
service, we went down to the water-side, where 
I immersed the two candidates. In the after- 
noon, I preached from Col. ii. 6. ' As ye have 
therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so 
walk in him.' After giving the hand of fellow- 
ship to our two friends, we came around the 
sacramental board, and enjoyed a good season 
in commemorating the love of our departed Lord. 
Preached to-day to the largest congregation I 
have ever had in Somerset. I earnestly desire 
that their hearts may be touched, and they in- 
duced to walk in the way of truth. 

*^ Monday, August 14fA. — This morning a 
novel fell in my way, which I was foolish enough 
to read. It was the ' Letters of Charlotte, the 
Beloved of Werter,' and there was nothing but 
Charlotte and Werter in my head all day. Such 
books always have a very unhappy effect on my 
mind, inspiring in me a deep melancholy, which 
continues for days." 

Mr. Jacobs was always decidedly opposed to 
the reading, even occasionally, novels of this 
class, on account of the absolute waste not only 
of the time employed in their perusal, but of the 
sensibilities they so uselessly excite. 

*' Wednesday, August 30M. — Received this 
morning a letter from Br. Benedict, of Pawtuck- 
et, requesting me to supply his pulpit during his 
absence on a journey of six months. I shall 
see him next week. 

*' Monday, September \Sth. — Great exertions 
are being made to secure my stay here another 



BELA JACOBS. 53 

year ; the term of my engagement has almost 
expired. The Lord has all hearts in his hands, 
and he can work wonders in the dispositions of 
men. There has certainly been a great change 
in this place since I have been here ; some who 
appear anxious for my stay and exert themselves 
for it, were, when 1 came, bitterly opposed to 
the gospel and to its preachers. 

** Wednesday ^ September 20th. — Spent the 
evening at home, with several of my Christian 
friends, in conversation on the internal evidences 
of religion. Alas ! how few of them do I observe 
in my own heart. 

*' September 23d, — * So teach me to remember 
my days, that I may apply my heart unto wis- 
dom.' It seems probable that I shall stay anoth- 
er year with this people. May I be enabled to 
be a blessing to them in spiritual things. 

" Sunday, September 24.t7i. — A large congre- 
gation this evening. I noticed many of my 
hearers in tears. May they be the tokens of a 
repentance not to be repented of. 

*' Saturday, September WtJi. — This closes the 
year I have spent in this place, during which 
time I have enjoyed some agreeable things, have 
had to encounter many difficulties, and have 
been made, in some, in a few instances, of use to 
the people. Mr. E. Norton and wife, with two 
other persons, were yesterday drowned at Tiv- 
erton ; how should all such events impress on 
our minds the force of the scripture declaration, 
* All flesh is as grass.' 

** October 2d, — Received a letter to-day from 
my S , informing me that her mother is very 



54 BELA JACOBS. 

sick, and that slie intends setting off directly to 
see her. My God ! grant thy blessing on this 
undertaking, and visit them in thy mercy, for 
thine own mercy's sake. 

" Friday, October 6th. — Newport. This af- 
ternoon S left town for her sister's, in Ex- 
eter. Never did I feel so widowed, as I conceive, 
in my life. Heaven protect and bless thee ! " 
On the succeeding Sabbath Mr. Jacobs preach- 
ed three times in the two Baptist churches of 
Newport. As this was the first time he had 
addressed so large an audience, among whom 
were many of his early acquaintances and com- 
panions, he felt much embarrassment in the an- 
ticipation ofhis morning sermon ; but, as he says, 
" when I rose to speak, I only remembered that 
I was speaking in the presence of God, to sinful 
and immortal souls. 

** Monday, October 9th, — I strolled about 
town to-day, calling on several of my friends ; 
but the town seems lonely and deserted, though 
but one individual is absent. 

*^Saturdaxj, October 14^A. — To-day, on looking 
over my accounts, I find that, during the year 
past, I have fallen in the rear. This, with some 
other things, fastened on me a fit of dejection, 
which has lasted all day. A reflecting, pious 
mind, I am persuaded, will continually derive 
instruction from the objects and occurrences of 
common every-day life. No situation is desti- 
tute of the means of improvement. Alas, for 
me ! even in my place, what progress would a 
man with the spirit of Gardiner, or Pearce, have 
made. There were but few out at my last lee- 



BELA JACOBS. 55 

ture, so that I, who am easily led away by ap- 
pearances, felt quite discouraged. 

*^ October ^\st. — I am continually looking 
forward to better days, hoping to see the people 
of God with hearts warm in his service, and sin- 
ners flocking to Jesus, the only Savior of souls : 
I hope, I believe I shall see this — but still I 
would be mindful of present blessings, and en- 
deavor to keep my own heart warm and my own 
life bright, in a cold, dark time. 

** Lord's-day^ October 22d. — This morning I 
was under peculiar temptations and trials, but 
the Lord was pleased to deliver me out of them 
all. I felt, when preaching to day, as if I never 
had so preached before, as if I never should 
preach again. May the result of my feeble ef- 
forts in this place far exceed my expectations. 

** October 2ith. — Have been readifig Newton's 
Life. Like him, I too have much reason to 
adore the matchless grace of God in bringing me 
to the knowledge of himself. But for His mer- 
cy, 1 should have been still indulging in sinfu 
revellings, and earthly vanities; but now, I trust, 
I delight to bow my knee to the Father of all 
mercies. Oh ! may I ever lie down before Him, 
and adore His love. 

" Sunday, October 2dth. — Preached this 
morning from Ps. xlii. 11: * Why art thou cast 
down, oh my soul ! ' I was indeed cast down, 
though I learned afterwards, that the subject 
was comforting to some of my hearers. Have 
finished reading Newton's Life and Letters. 
Happy those who live as he has directed. May 
I follow him as he followed Christ, and so in- 



56 



BELA JACOBS. 



herit the promises. I desire to acquire know- 
ledge, but without spiritual mindedness it will 
do no good; Jet me, then, strive to obtain heav- 
enly wisdom, and lowliness of mind. I have 
been conscious, lately, of a great desire to draw 
back from duty : what a shame not to be engaged 
in the best of all pursuits. I feel daily, more 
and more my dependence, my utter dependence 
on Almighty power. 

" October ^\st. — Should not the goodness of 
the Lord lead us to repentance, when his mer- 
cies are new every morning, and renewed every 
evening ? At our prayer-meeting this evening, 
very few were present, and no one offered prayer 
but myself. I yet hope for better days, when 
we shall behold the times of refreshing from the 
presence of the Lord. 

'* November 3^/. — The coldness and dulness 
of the professors of religion in this place, is 
enough to chill the feelings of any one, especial- 
ly if his own heart be not very near the Savior. 
All my preaching appears to do no good, and I 
am sometimes quite discouraged, and then I call 
upon myself to hope in God, for I shall yet 
praise Him. 

** Monday^ November •itJi, — Several of us met, 
in order to form a society for the improvement 
of vocal music among us. Afterwards I spent 

an hour at 's house in religious conversation 

and prayer, with much satisfaction to myself, 
and I hope not altogether in vain. 

*^ November 5ih. — At the close of our singiag- 
school this evening, I enjoyed unusual freedom 
in prayer. Oh, that these youthful hearts may 



BELA JACOBS. 57 

be brought to the love of the truth. But oh ! 
my God ! there is no life in us. As for myself, 
though my days roll away, I make no percepti- 
ble advances in the divine life. 

" Sunday, November \2th. — I think I vi^as nev- 
er less prepared than this morning, and I had 
more than usual to do. After preaching twice 
at home, I spoke again, at 4 o'clock, to a small 
congregation about a mile from town, and after- 
wards had my usual lecture. When I reached 
home, after the labors of the day were over, I 
found that I was quite fatigued and hungry, 
having taken no refreshment since the noon. 

^^ November I7th, — Spent the day as usual, in 
school, and met my pupils in singing in the 
evening : these labors are fatiguing, but it is 
my duty to spend and be spent, in promoting 
every improvement among us, and psalmody is 
not the least in importance. 

" November 24:th. — A very severe snow-storm 
from the north-east, more severe than any we 
have had for many years. I spent the evening 
at home in reading, but not comfortably. I can 
take no comfort while I think of my poor sister 
in Newport, suffering, during this cold storm, 
from want of wood ; Heaven be kind to her, and 
incline some one to succor her and her ])oor 
babes : I, alas, am unable to help her. Have 
just read * Faber on the Prophecies,' a book 
which opens some views to me entirely new. 

*' Tuesday^ December I2th. — A letter from S., 
who has returned to Newport, though, alas, be- 
reaved of her mother, who died soon after her 
5 



58 



BELA JACOBS. 



arrival in New York. May her^s be the blessing 

of sanctified affliction. 

*^ Friday^ December loth. — Having an oppor- 
tunity to come to Newport, I gladly embraced 
it. I heard yesterday a funeral sermon by Mr. 
Gibson, and to-day have called on many of my 

friends : this evening S spent at my sister's. 

What need have I to pray, Lord, keep me near 
to thee, nor let an idol have the heart which 
would be wholly thine. 

'* Saturday, December 16th. — Rode by stage 
to Warren, — where I arrived just before night; 
one of my good sisters then took me in her 
chaise, and brought me half the distance. I 
walked the rest, and by seven o'clock was at 
home. 

*^ December 22d. — My employments to-day 
have been various; teaching during the day, in 
the evening I offered to assist my landlady, who 
was dipping candles ; and afterwards I had a 
pleasant time while meditating on a text of 
scripture. I sometimes feel as if set loose from 
the little things below ; but ah ! how rarely do I 
rise from earth toward heaven. 

'' December 24f A. — At our lecture this evening, 
were present several Smithites from Swansey. 
After I had finished speaking, four of them, in 
turn, addressed the congregation ; they ran on 
at a strange rate, aiming to pull down all doc- 
trines. I rose and opposed them ; the propriety 
of it must appear hereafter. Lord, grant us 
more humility and wisdom. 

'* December 2oth. — A stormy Christmas : this 
is a day celebrated by a large part of the Chris- 



BEL A JACOBS. 59 

tian world, as the day that gave to the world its 
Savior. It seems to me a part of the day's doings 
may well be omitted — the excessive feasting and 
mirth; and as the time cannot be well ascer- 
tained, and as ihe scriptures say nothing about 
it, those who carry about with them, at all times, 
a heart grateful to God for the unspeakable gift 
of his Son, evidently keep Christmas in the most 
appropriate manner. Such be my Christmas. 

** December 21th. — Two years since, my dear 
sister bade adieu to time, and went home, as I 
believe, to her Savior. Every day she is re- 
membered, and her early death deplored ; and 
especially on this, the annually recurring day of 
her decease, am I reminded to prepare to follow 
her. 

** January/ Ist, 1810. — A new year, a new 
era of life. Look back, my soul, and recount 
the many mercies of the Lord that have attend- 
ed thee through thy short round of years, and ex- 
amine carefully thy ways. How many have 
been the mercies of thy God, and how little to 
his glory hast thou lived. Father, forgive my 
sins, for my Redeemer's sake, and purify my 
heart by thy Spirit. I have so bad a cold, that, 
though I tried to sing, I could not, and accord- 
ingly 1 passed the evening at home, in conversa- 
tion on religious subjects, and closed the inter- 
view by prayer to God, the giver of all our time, 
and the Judge of our manner of spending the 
years, days and moments which he has bestow- 
ed, in order that we may prepare for death, the 
judgment seat, and the society of heaven. 

* * January 7th. Lord^s day, — Have labored to- 



60 



BELA JACOBS. 



day under great difficulty of breathing, but was 
able to preach three times : there were many 
people out. Oh ! that they may hear as for their 
lives, and may I preach as knowing I must meet 
them amid the dread realities of eternity. The 
quaint old hymn says, 



' A Paul may plant, and till the ground, 

Apollos too may water; 
But all the blessings that abound, 

Come from another quarter.' 



1 



" January 17. — I preach to my people a pro- 
gression in the divine life ; but alas ! how few 
advances in holiness do I make. Yet I would 
not be a mere guide-board. Abraham said, 'O ! 
that Ishmael may live before the Lord ; ' so 
would I pray for my own soul — may it live. Each 
day, when I ask myself the question, what have 
I done for God, with shame I answer * Nothing.' 
Yet my Heavenly Parent, how good, how kind, 
to his unprofitable servant. '' 

On Wednesday, February Oth of this year, 
the subject of this memoir was married to Miss 
Sarah Sprague, the youngest daughter of Dr. 
Simon Sprague, of Newport. He returned to 
Somerset immediately, but did not commence 
house-keeping, or as he calls it *' having a home'* 
till the beginning of the following May. His di- 
ary shows the peculiar interest, which he felt, 
for the members of his singing school; he always 
concluded their meetings with prayer, and men- 
tions them repeatedly in such expressions as 
these : " We sung very well this evening, but I 
was oppressed with anxious emotions concerning 



BELA JACOBS. 61 

their eternal peace." " I may afford some trif- 
ling assistance in improving the voices of these 
young people, but their hearts — their hearts — 
oh ! Spirit divine, I beseech thee tune these 
hearts to the praise of the Eternal God.'* 

*' What a pleasing employment is this, of 
mingling our voices in these sweet hymns r)f 
Watts ; I am always fatigued, but delighted by 
it." With his day school, he does not seem to 
have been so *' delighted : '' he says, March 20, 
*' My heart is like a stone ; ' tis hard to make 
an impression on it; and when warmed, like 
heated metal, it soon grows cold again. My 
school is injurious to my comfort of mind, and I 
should rejoice with exceeding joy, if it would 
please my Heavenly Father to grant that this 
hindrance to my usefulness may, at some future 
time, be removed." About the middle of the 
following month, he finally relinquished teach- 
ing. 

A few more extracts will bring us to a close 
of Mr. Jacobs' residence in Somerset. 

" Jhigusf^lth. — My text on yesterday afternoon 
was, *'What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, cal) 
upon thy God." I longed for words of power, 
and a voice of thunder, with which to force on 
their attention the importance of religious truth ; 
but it is the still small voice of the Holy Spirit 
that must touch the sinner's heart. Had a very 
pleasant walk this morning ; on my return, pass- 
ed through the rope-walk — enjoyed there a sweet 
time in prayer. This rope-walk is my daily re- 
sort, — my Bethel. 

^^ August 28th. — My sinful heart, why didst 
5* 



62 



BELA JACOBS. 



thoa ever depart from God, whose blessings are 
so great ? What happiness was Enoch's when 
* he walked with God 1' what bliss was Enoch's, 
when * he was not, for God had taken him V 

Jlugust 3l5^ — I am confident I have not en- 
joyed so much spiritual comfort for years, as I 
have within a week past. My hearers were 
unusually attentive this evening — at least, I 
thought so; perhaps because I so earnestly 
wished that they might feel. I have a very bad 
head-ache. Grant, oh great Physician, that 
though my whole head be sick, my heart may 
not be faint. 

^^ Saturday, September \st. — Have so much of 
the asthma, that I am quite apprehensive for to- 
morrow ; but the Lord will do all things well, 
and to his hands I commit this poor body, as well 
as this sinning soul. 

" September 5th, — For three days I have been 
very sick. It was as I feared, I could not 
preach. It was very distressing to see my peo- 
ple flocking to the house of God, and no one 
there to address them ; the more so, as the day 
was pleasant, and a large number came out ; my 
own mind, too, in a frame so happy, that preach- 
ing would have been a great enjoyment. But 
all His ways are love and wisdom.'' 

On September 10th, Mr. Jacobs attended the 
meeting of the Warren Association, which was 
held in Providence ; he writes on the 13th, 
*' Left for home in the packet: we had a head 
wind the first half of the way, then fair, with a 
smooth sea : the opportunity was too good to be 
lost ; so with the consent of the passengers, of 



BELA JACOBS. 63 

whom there were about 30, I preached from 
James i. 27. * Pure religion, and undefiled be- 
fore God,' &c. To me the time was most sol- 
emn. I wept over them as sinners, and they 
wept, I hope for their sins before God. I shall 
never meet them again. Said I never 1 Yea ! 
I shall meet them all again ; may that meeting 
be one not of shame. 

^' September l^tlu — At my Bethel to-day, felt 
unusually desirous for the conversion of the youth 
of this place ; they know not, they will not know 
the way of happiness." 

Finding it impossible to live comfortably on 
the small salary, which the church at Somerset 
was able to give, and nearly discouraged with 
regard to his usefulness there, Mr Jacobs, though 
with regret, resolved to leave them, and on the 
first of November, he accepted the invitation of 
tlie Baptist Church in Pawtuxet, to settle among 
them. 

'^ Lord's Day, November ISih. — Preached my 
farewell discourse to my people, with whom \ 
have been for more than two years. I have en- 
deavored to ' be instant in season, and out of 
season ; ' but it has not pleased the Lord to bless 
my labors very greatly. I have however reason 
to be grateful, if any thing has been accomplish- 
ed for the cause of truth and holiness, by my in- 
strumentality. My congregation has increased 
by nearly half, and I believe and am sure, that 
they are strongly attached to me. My farewell 
discourse was founded on Acts xx. 26. * I take 
you to record this day, that T am free from the 
blood of all men, for I have not shunned to de- 



64 BELA JACOBS. 

clare unto you, all the counsel of God.' I fear 
I shall not find another people, towards whom I 
shall feel as I have done towards my charge 
here. I pray most fervently that they may have 
some one to minister unto them the words of 
eternal life in a more successful manner than I 
have done, and that they may be blessed for all 
their kindness to me and mine." 

We are now arrived at the close of one por- 
tion of Mr. Jacobs' ministry, of that part in 
which he thought himself to have been least 
successful. He had baptized two individuals . 
only in the two years ; and though his con- 
gregation was become much larger, and his 
people manifested increased respect for the Sab- 
bath, and for other religious ordinances, he 
felt, perhaps rightly, that he ought to remove to 
some field of labor, where the returns might be 
more immediate and apparent. To this step he 
was also induced by the impossibility of living 
in Somerset, except he contributed to his sup- 
port by teaching, and he was desirous of devot- 
ing himself entirely to pastoral duties. 

How many of his flock in Somerset still survive 
to remember him, I do not know. May his many 
prayers and tears prove, at the last, to have been 
blessed to some of those young people, for whom 
he felt so tenderly. 



CHAPTER IV. 



EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL DOMESTIC AFFLIC- 
TION. 



*' Pawtuxet, November 25/7i.— Preached my in- 
troductory sermon to the church in Pawtuxet, 
from Acts x, 29. ' Therefore came I unto you, 
without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for ; I 
ask, therefore, for what intent, ye have sent for 
me.' O Lord, my Father, grant that my coming 
here, may tend to the advancing the love of reli- 
gion in this place. We had a charming confer- 
ence this evening." 

I can find no records of the year 1811. The 
date of the next paper is February 9th, 1812. 

" My birth-day. For twenty-six years have 
I lived a monument of mercy. Some talk of 
looking back on a well-spent life with pleasure ; 
but to me, there are no such pleasing retrospec- 
tions. I have lived a transgressor against God's 
laws, and have sinned most grievously. For 
nine years past, I have professed to be a servant 
of the Most High ; and, during that time, have 
enjoyed numberless mercies, both temporal and 
spiritual ; what then have been my returns of 



66 BELA JACOBS. 

love and praise? Nay, Lord, I have returned 
love with indifterence, and kindness with in- 
gratitude, so that I know not which is more to 
be wondered at, the goodness of God, or my own 
insensibihty. This morning I trembled at the 
view of the duties before me, as 1 had to preach 
twice, administer both ordinances, and attend a 
funeral : my text this morning was, * Then I re- 
stored that which I took not away.' I baptized 
a candidate, and we partook of the supper. In 
the afternoon, I preached a funeral sermon in a 
private house, from ' He that overcometh, the 
same shall be clothed in white raiment.' On 
the whole, I may say, that the day has been a 
pleasant one to me, and my brethren appear to 
have been quickened. May our Master be glo- 
rified in us and by us. Amen. 

*' Jlpril l^tli. — My Lord and Savior enabled me 
to speak to-day ^vith a degree of freedom I have 
not enjoyed of late. Had another funeral ser- 
mon to preach this afternoon ; selected, as my 
text, the passage in 2d Samuel, xiv. 14. * For 
we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the 
ground which cannot be gathered up.' The oc- 
casion, was the death of a young man of this 
place, while absent in the West Indies. A very 
large congregation : May the Spirit of power im- 
press eternal things on the minds of all. A good 
work seems to have been begun in Providence ; 
numbers have been added to the churches, and 
many are now inquiring for the ways of right- 
eousness and peace. May it spread till it shall 
reach us, even us in Pawtuxet. 

'' April 23 J.— To-day our Brother Fuller fell 



BELA JACOBS. 67 

asleep, and, we doubt not, has, ere this, entered 
to enjoy forever, that rest which remains for the 
people of God. He has left a helpless family in 
indigence. To that God who has styled himself 
the widow's God, and the father of the fatherless, 
we commend them. He is at rest; ^^ey have 
yet longer to struggle with the sorrows and diffi- 
culties of this world's rough ways : may they all 
meet in peace at the last." 

Mr. Jacobs was at this time called to experi- 
ence a serious domestic affliction, in the death 
of his only child, a lovely little girl, of eighteen 
months. He says,— 

Lords'' day, June ^Ist. — " Yesterday our child 
was suddenly taken very ill ; her illness increas- 
ed through the night, and this morning she was 
in convulsions, from sunrise till noon. I could 
not attend meeting while my little girl was in 
such distress. Brother Newman, who was here, 
kindly officiated for me." 

He says in a subsequent page, — 

** This day (Sunday,) was the most distressing 
day of my life. I wrestled in prayer all day 
with God, for the life of my babe, for I said^ 
* who can tell whether God will be gracious to 
me, that the child may live.' But ah ! my pray- 
ers were not to be heard. On Monday, early 
in the morning, the Lord took our babe to be 
with him forever. To us how sudden, how 
heavy the stroke. Oh God, thou God of mercy, 
draw near and pity us, and comfort us. This 
child was our idol ; we gave it the affections 
which should have been our Maker's, and this 
is his rod to bring us back. May it be sancti- 



OO BELA JACOBS. 

fied to us, and make us more devout, more at- 
tached to the things which are above, and over 
which death has no power. 

^' Tuesday^ 23d'. — To-day we consigned the 
precious remains of our beloved child to the dusi. 
Thus fade all earthly joys. My reason told rne 
it was fatal to our peace, to love so well any 
thing on the earth, but now I/ee/ it true. We 
have buried our all in this daughter, and in our 
partial eyes, she was peculiarly fair ; but she 
was mortal, and therefore faded ; faded Acre, to 
bloom in a more congenial soil ; sweet babe, she 
is no more to be the subject, of pain or tears, but 
in the presence of her Redeemer sings praises 
to him, who scorns not the praises of * babes and 
sucklings.' " 

Some time after he writes, — 

*' Every thing wears a melancholy aspect ; 
the world seems to be clothed in mourning, since 
what we loved most is no more. But I check 
myself — Jehovah reigns, and the Judge of all the 
earth will do right." 

In all the after years of his life, Mr. Jacobs 
never mentioned this beloved and early lost child 
without great emotion. It was their first, their 
fairest. 

^^July 15t/i, — Visited a sick woman, who is ev- 
idently on the very borders of eternity, and still 
clinging to life, unwilling to die, relying on phy- 
sicians, careless of Him, who alone can heal 
the soul. I talked with her a little, and, kneel- 
ing, sought the Great Physician's aid. Father 
Cornell called to-day, on his return from his 
mission. He brings good news from some parts 



BELA JACOBS. OV 

of our Master's vineyard. I have sometimes of 
late doubted my call to the ministry ; if I were 
sent of the Lord, I think I should see some evi- 
dence of it in the good accomplished ; sinners 
would, I think, be converted, and Christians 
would, by my example and preaching, be ani- 
mated to duty ; but, alas ! none of these things 
appear. My brethren grow colder and colder ; 
and for myself, I have reason to doubt whether 
1 am a true Christian. 

'' August 2Sd. — Was called from meeting this 
evening, to the house of mourning, to witness 
the death of a young friend of ours, the wife of 
Mr. J. Harris, who had endured a long and 
painful sickness, but who in her last hours man- 
ifested a reliance on the mercy of God, and 
trust in the merits and atonement of her Savior. 

'^^ August 20^/i. — At the funeral of Mrs. Harris, 
preached from this text, ' Remembering mine 
afflictions, the wormwood and the gall, my soul 
hath them still in remembrance and is humbled 
in me.' " 

It was the custom at this time, in Rhode Island, 
to have a sermon at the interment of almost 
every individual, and Mr. Jacobs was called on 
to perform the service, not only in the village 
in which he lived, but in the towns and villages 
in the vicinity. I think the number mentioned, 
averages one a month, during all his residence 
in Pawtuxet. The next extract I shall give, is 
dated J 

^'Pawtuxet, October 18th, 1814. — Have omitted 
writing for sometime, as I had nothing to record. 
Oh ! ungrateful wicked heart ; nothing to record 
6 



70 BELA JACOBS. 

of the goodness of God ? Nothing of His long- 
suffering towards such a sinner as myself? I 
might have been in the world, where no hope 
may ever come, lifting up my eyes in keen de- 
spair, and yet I live — I hope : strange as it is, 
so great a sinner may hope in God. If ever I 
I am saved, it will be matchless grace indeed. 
It will be God's choice, and not my own. 

' 'Tis He must work my works in me, 
And give the rich reward.' 

*' I have been reading to-day the memoirs of 
Mrs. Harriet Newell, who died at the Isle of 
France, while accompanying her husband on a 
mission to the heathen. The perusal has 
awakened my heart, in a great measure, to a 
sense of its stupidity. She was certainly a saint 
of the first magnitude ; and although her race 
was short, her example will not die ; she still 
lives, and preaches in Asia, and Europe, and 
America. Blessed soul ! thou hast finished thy 
Work ; thy trials are all over, and now thou art 
enjoying the blessed reward. But oh ! my heart 
has bled for him, and now bleeds afresh ; left 
alone in a strange and heathen land, the fond 
partner of his life, the sharer of his joys, the 
soother of his sorrows is not, and he, must 
make his way alone. No ! he is not alone — his 
God is with him, and shall cheer his aching 
heart, and guide and bless him in his work. 
Lord, does not the day approach, when the idols 
shall be thrown to the moles and bats, and the 
nations own Him whose possesion they are to be ? 



BELA JACOBS. 71 

''But mark the contrast ; here are those willing 
to leave their native land, with the ease and the 
joys of social life, in order to bear the news of 
salvation to those sitting in darkness and death, 
while I — what am I doing? Help me, O Father, 
from this day, to be more active in thy blessed 
service. 

'' October 20th. — How anxious men are about 
the things that perish ; ah ! how neglectful of 
those which endure to everlasting life. We 
ask daily, and with vast solicitude, what shall 
we eat 1 what shall we drink ? wherewith shall 
we be clad ? w4iile we seek not to partake of 
that bread which came down from heaven, and 
to be clothed with that robe of righteousness, 
which saints in glory wear.'' 

Though no people could be more politely at- 
tentive to a minister, than were those in Faw- 
tuxet, in most respects, they yet gave their pastor 
a great deal of pain, by their irregular attendance 
on public worship. They viere glad to see him 
at their houses, glad to visit him at his own, and 
happy to meet him any where, except at church. 
Nor did this arise from dislike of his preaching ; 
for he was comparatively very popular with them ; 
it was simply the result of habit. 

He says, — 

** Every thing looks dark and gloomy. Pro- 
fessors and profane seem much alike, and neither 
will attend on the public worship of God. Yet 
who knows but God may be even now preparing 
the way for a glorious work. He is a God that 
hides himself. My soul will hope 'tis even so ; 
and though the blessing tarry, I will wait for 
it, for in due time it shall appear. 



72 



BELA JACOBS. 



' The Lord can cheer the darkest skies, 

Can giv^e us day for night, 
And make the drops of sorrow rise 

To rivers of delight.' " 



Again he writes, — *' I bitterly regret that 
few feel disposed to attend public worship in this 
place ; that so few^, that none indeed, will give 
heed to the things which are truly excellent. '* 
At another time he says, — 

'^ Br. Luther Rice from India gave us a charm- 
ing discourse this evening. I was grieved that 
so few came to hear him ; that while hundreds 
patrol the streets, the house of God is deserted." 
The sad feelings induced by seeing so few appa- 
rently desirous to listen to the messages of love, 
issued by Jehovah through his servants, must 
have made the number rambling for amusement 
appear larger than the reality, or he would not 
have written hundreds instead of dozens, or at 
most scores. 

'^ Have had very little time for study lately, 
as I have been busily employed in collecting 
money to purchase a stove for our meeting- 
house, in hope that by any means I may prevail 
on some to attend on public worship ; and may 
God meet them there. 

'' Sunday J January 15th. — A larger congre- 
gation than for a long time ; but whether they 
came from anxiety to hear of the things which 
make for their everlasting peace, or whether the 
newly-erected stove brought them out, or w^heth- 
er it was altogether accidental, I do not know; 
at any rate, I was glad to see them, and addressed 
them from ' Jesus beholding him, loved him, and 



so I 



BELA JACOBS. 73 

said unto him, one thing thou lackest.' I en- 
deavored to impress upon them the truth, that 
lovehness of temper and kindness and all the 
outward virtues, though highly desirable and 
proper, w^ill never secure salvation. May this 
dear and kind, but irreligious people, lay it to 
heart.'' 

On the next Sabbath he writes, — *' Not so 
many out as on last Lord's-day ; the stove is no 
longer new, and not even the certainty of being 
comfortably warm, will win them to the house of 
prayer. It is hard work to preach to empty 
pews: I believe that the services of the sanctu- 
ary are not in themselves grievous, but there is 
a vast difference between preaching to those by 
whom the words of truth are swallowed as they 
are uttered, and speaking in a house whose 
emptiness sends back the echo of the preacher's 
voice to fall heavily on his heart, and tell him 
his labor has been all in vain. A number of our 
friends from Providence came down in the 
evening and assisted us. Such brethren as 
these, are worth the having. I certainly covet- 
ed, I trust I did not sin. What encouragement 
to have brethren of understanding and stability 
of mind, who can and wHi strengthen and sup- 
port their pastor. But, alas ! I have not such to 
hold up my hands. There have always been 
very few male members here, and of this small 
number three have lately moved away, and one 
is on his death-bed ; while some, good men too, 
are not accustomed to go forward in public mat- 
ters, and are diffident and slow ; and some there 
are in the church who are as fond of hearing 
6* 



74 



BELA JACOBS, 



error as truth. Lord, thou canst raise up help- 
ers even here, or thou canst take me elsewhere.'' 

There were reasons existing independently of 
the character of the people, which would in part 
account for what Mr. Jacobs so much lamented. 
Most of the young men growing up in the fam- 
ilies belonging to his parish went elsewhere for 
business as soon as they were of age ; of those 
men whose nominal residence was Pawtuxet, 
many were masters of vessels, and rarely at 
home; so that the proportion of females in the 
congregation was of necessity large. However, 
the next best thing, as he himself used to say, 
to having good brethren, *' is the having warm- 
hearted sisters,'' and of these, the church in 
Pawtuxet had its full share. About this time, 
he heard of the death of his friend, Mr. Reed, 
minister at Attleborough. He writes, — 

'* Thus is the Lord calling home his servants, 
and admonishing all who remain to be always 
ready, awaiting their call. I saw him but lately, 
and I thought, as he undoubtedly did, that his 
sun was in its meridian, and would not set so 
soon. Perhaps mine, too, is declining ; let me 
then work while the day lasts, anticipating my 
night of rest. 

" Oh ! the important station of being a watch- 
man on the walls of Zion ! the responsibility, 
the anxiety in such a place, and at such a time 
as this. 1 look out from my ' awful post of ob- 
servation, darker every hour,' and see much to 
discourage, and little to cheer. The state of re- 
ligion in this place, is truly melancholy. I am 
tried and perplexed ; but it does not, as it should, 



BELA JACOBS, 75 

/lave the effect of making me more earnest in 
supplicating God for his blessing. In public, 1 
am disheartened by the appearance of things 
around me, and it follows me into my study ; 
there I muse on the dark state of affairs, and 
murmur ; not, 1 hope, against God, but about 
those of whom we might hope better things. 
Lord, help me to cast all my cares on him who 
careth for me." 

With one or two more extracts, we arrive at 
the conclusion of the year 1814. On Monday 
November 7th, he closes a most fervent prayer 
for more holiness and faithfulness towards God 
and man, with these words : ** How seldom does 
my heart burn within me, as I muse on the 
words of Jesus ; how feebly does my soul put 
forth its petitions for the Spirit's influences ! 
Well may I say, with the poet, 

' Look down, O Lord, with pity's softest eye, 
On this poor breathing particle of dust: 
His crimes forgive ; forgive his virtues too.' 

*^ November ISlh. — A pleasant season at the 
table of our Lord. How sweet to meditate up- 
on the love of Jesus, and enjoy his presence in 
his earthly courts ! What will it be when we 
surround his throne above ; when Jesus shall 
acknowledge all his friends before his Father 
and all worlds. '* 

During the month ofDecember, in this year, 
Mr. Jacobs was laid aside from his labors, in 
consequence of a serious illness, occasioned by 
a cold which terminated in fever. On his re- 



76 



BELA JACOBS. 



covery he says, '* I think I never before suffered 
so much pain in my head. But, — 

' Light are the pains that nature brings ; 

How shell the sufferings are, 
When With eternal future things 

The present we compare.' 

1 had purposed a close application to study, a 
purpose how soon frustrated. I have scarcely 
looked into a book for three weeks ; and even 
now, my head is so disordered I am unable to 
read.'' 

Mr. Jacobs' text on new-years day, was '* Be- 
hold I set before you this day, a blessing and a 
curse." He says, *' I was enabled to speak with 
much freedom, and my hearers listened as if for 
life. As I pressed on their attention the bless- 
ing, and contrasted with it the curse, I noticed 
many in tears. May it not be as it so often has 
been, like the morning cloud and the early dew, 
gone in an hour. 

" Thursday J January 12^/i, 1815. — Preached 
this evening for Br. Humphreys, who is very 
sick; our meeting was of course at his house. 
My text was ^ We would see Jesus ;' it seemed 
to comfort my dear sick brother." 

On the news of peace with England, which 
reached Providence about the middle of Februa- 
ry, he says, ** The roar of cannon and the ring- 
ing of bells announce to us the joyful news of 
peace. To me the one sad thought amid all this 
joy, is, that few will, with real devotion, return 
thanks to the Giver of all good things. While 
|the shouts of * peace,' ' peace/ are heard from 



BELA JACOBS. 77 

all, few will think of the great God who sends 
war on a guilty land, and in His mercy gives 
peace ; and fewer still will feel the importance 
of being at peace with God through our Lord 
and Savior Jesus Christ. For my country I re- 
joice, that a stop is put to the effusion of human 
blood, and a barrier raised against the flood of 
numberless ills, incident to a state of war ; and 
for the revival of trade, and the return of all the 
blessings which follow in the train of peace. 
May my country long enjoy them, and that bet- 
ter peace which passeth understanding, and lead- 
eth its possessors to the city of peace, to dwell 
forever. 

" Lord^S'day^ February 26th. — This morning 
Br. Humphreys finished his mortal course, and 
entered into his rest. This is, indeed, a sad loss 
to our church and to me. He was the first of my 
fruits in this place, and has ever walked worthy 
of his profession. Make up to us, O Lord, this 
loss ; the hearts of all are in thy hand, and thou 
canst turn them as thou wilt. I heard that he 
was dying, and went to his house in haste ; but 
before my arrival he had gone to enter on that 
Sabbath which will never end. I entered on 
the duties of the day with a heavy heart ; ex- 
pounded as usual in the morning ; in the after- 
noon, preached a funeral sermon on the death of 
an aged lady in Providence, from the text, 
'Blessed are the dead.' Had in the evening, 
what we call our conference, though rather im- 
properly, as no one speaks but myself 

' How dark, how gloomy is this night, 
Without one cheering l^ay.' 



78 EELA JACOBS. 

** Tuesday^ February 28tJi. — To-day we laid 
in the tomb the remains of our much-esteemed 
Br. Humphreys. There was a great parade, 
but few, it is to be feared, will lay it to heart. 
He was a most loving, affectionate, and useful 
brother ; in the church, his loss will long be felt. 
He was a respected member of the Masonic 
Lodge, and a member of the Independent Artil- 
lery Company. They all did him honor in his 
death ; may they emulate his virtues. I ad- 
dressed them from Psalms, xii. 1 ; ' Help, Lord, 
for the godly man ceaseth ; for the faithful fail 
from among the children of men.' I feel that 
the night cometh on apace, wherein I cannot 
work ; and on Heaven I rely for aid in working 
while my day lasts. 

'' Thursday^ March 2d. — I was called on to 
preach a funeral sermon again, this afternoon, 
making three this w^eek. Death is busy around 
us ; but these events seem to make but little sal- 
utary impression on the minds of the surviving ; 
they come to hear the last services performed for 
the departed ; they weep as I speak to them of 
death, judgment, and eternity, and go away and 
forget what manner of sinners they are. The 
good prophet Isaiah when sent to harden the 
hearts and to blind the eyes of his people, said, 
with evident reluctance to the duty, * Oh Lord, 
how long! ' yet he went. May I, if such be the 
service to which I am appointed, be willing to 
do and to suffer all the will of Him whose I am ; 
still do I long and pant for those * times of re^ 
freshing from the presence of the Lord,' for the 
manifestations of His mercy in the conversion of 



BE LA JACOBS. 



•79 



i^iriners, and for the sweet influence of the Holy 
Spirit on the hearts and lives of Christians, which 
will tend to the glory of our Master, and the 
comfort of his church. 

*^ Saturday, April 1st, — This is a day devoted 
to folly ; and I don't know but I have been act- 
ing the fool. The inhabitants are establishing 
a bank in this village, and having importuned 
me to take the office of cashier, I have so far 
consented as to hold it for a few months. To- 
day the first instalment was paid, and I, conse- 
quently, was obliged to sit at the receipt of cus- 
tom all day ; by no means a good preparation 
for the duties of to-morrow. 

'' Lord'S'day^ April 9tJi. — When I contemplate 
the situation of this church and society, and re- 
flect on the little success that has attended my 
ministry here, I am sometimes led to suspect 
that this is not the place for me ; btit when I 
think of removing, the question recurs, Ought I 
to leave these few sheep in the wilderness with- 
out a shepherd? We had a pleasant confer- 
ence this evening. Several brethren from the 
University were with us. How know we but 
the Lord has some blessing in store for Paw- 
tuxet, cold and stupid Pawtuxet ? Oh ! that so 
it may prove. 

''April 23ri. — -Expounded this morning as 
usual ; preached a funeral sermon in the after- 
noon ; had quite a large and very serious audi- 
ence. May the emotion they showed be lasting 
in its good effect on their hearts. A comfortable 
meeting in the evening; a large number pres- 
ent, and they seemed deeply grieved that I am 



80 BELA JACOBS. 

to be absent for a few weeks. The Lord be 
with, and biess them in my absence. 

^' Ajjril '24:th. — Spent tlie day in preparations 
for my intended journey. Many friends called 
on me expressing great affection for me ; this is 
pleasant; I wish they loved my Master better/^ 



CHAPTER V. 



JOURNAL CONTINUED VISIT TO CAMBRIDGE 

JOURNEY TO NEW YORK LEAVES PAWTUXET. 



Mr. Jacobs was accompanied on this tour by 
his friend, James Rhodes, Esq. as far as Middle- 
town, Connecticut, where they had to transact 
business connected with their new bank. At 
Middletown Mr. Jacobs preached twice for his 
former fellow-student, the Rev. Mr. Phippen ; 
here too he had the pleasure of meeting another of 
the little band of school-fellows, Mr. Israel Alger, 
afterwards somewhat celebrated as a teacher. 
While at Mr. Phippen's, Mr. Jacobs read ''The 
Baptist Mission in India," by Dr. Staughton : he 
says, " The perusal of this work is calculated to 
stimulate a gracious heart to make greater efforts 
to send the gospel among the heathen. May the 
zeal of brethren who have planned and carried 
on this work, and some of whom have left all to 
follow Christ as far as India, provoke me to act 
for my Master too." 

On Vv^ednesday, the third of May, Mr. Jacobs 

preached in Hartford, from Isaiah xxxii. 2. ''And 

a man shall be as an hiding-place from the 

wind." Travelling was very fatiguing to Mr. 

7 



82 BELA JACOBS 



,1 



Jacobs, from his being obliged to sit up, night 
after night. His sleeping arrangements at home 
were peculiar, and when away from them, if he 
ventured to lie down, it was only for an hour or 
two : he says while in Plartford, '' Beds are not 
made for me. I shall not venture in one again 
very soon. I thought last evening, that by warm- 
ing the bed, elevating my head, and using other 
precautions, I might possibly escape ; and I was 
fearful, that I should otherwise be sick, from 
fatigue, and want of sleep ; but before I knew 
it, the asthma was upon me, and I was obliged 
to doze out the remainder of the night by the 
fire.'' 

Mr. Jacobs did not preach again, until he ar- 
rived in Albany, where, in the Rev. Mr. Webb's 
church, on May 7th, he says, " 1 preached with 
great freedom from 1st Tim. i. 15. ' This is a 
faithful saying/ &c. and afterwards united with 
them in partaking of the supper of our Lord. 
This afternoon's service was refreshing to me, 
and, as J learned from brother H , was a com- 
fortable season to others. JMay the seed sown 
spring up and bear fruit to the glory of our God." 
Of one minister, to whom he had been introdu- 
ced by a mutual acquaintance, he says, '^ His 
manner towards me was very cold and distant ; 
not thus do I meet my brethren, nor am I com- 
monly so received ; but poor brother is grow- 
ing rich in this world's goods ; I envy him not ; 
let me be poor in worldly matters, if I may only 
feel the spirit of the gospel ; and, loving not 
only my Master but his servants, wherever 1 may 
see them, I shall be rich in my own soul's enjoy- 
ment." 



BELA JACOBS. 83 

In Troy, Mr. Jacobs spent two days very pleas- 
antly. Of the minister, at whose house he visited 
there, he says, '' He has a large family of well-be- 
haved children." When I give Wayland as the 
name of this family, I need not add that Mr. Ja- 
cobs lived to see some of them otherwise distin- 
guished, than by being merely well-behaved chil- 
dren. On Tuesday evening, May Oth^ Mr. Jacobs 
preached for Mr. Wayland, and on the next 
morning, rode to Lansingburg 1 he here visited 
the Falls of theCohoeson the Mohawk. After 
describing them, he says, "Just above the falls, 
is what the Dutch call ' the Baw;' (their pro- 
nunciation of which suggests to the mind a tub, 
with the bottom falling out;) the word signifies 
the Bend, because here the river makes a noble 
sweep." On the evening of the 10th, Mr. Ja- 
cobs preached in the hall, which was at that 
time used as a place of worship, by the Baptists 
in L., from John xii. 24. '' Except a|.corn of 
wheat fall into the earth and die, &c." he says 
of this service, *' I had not a good time: I was 
asthmatic, and the place was so low, that it 
seemed to me like preaching in a cave." 

With Poughkeepsie, where he spent five days, 
Mr. Jacobs was greatly delighted. 

'^ May IZtJi, — Made several calls with brother 
Leonard. This is a very pleasant place, and 
made more so, as there are a number of excel- 
lent brethren here, who seem to be walking in 
the faith and spirit of the gospel. A large party 
this P. M. at brother L's, which they call a 
spinning bee. As I had never seen any thing 
of the kind, 1 had curiosity enough to invcsti- 



84 BELA JACOBS. 

gate its particulars. The word spinning is not 
exactly appropriate, as there is no spinning 
done, but yarn of some sort appears to be requi- 
site. Everyone who will supply himself or her- 
self with a pound or two of cotton yarn, or a few 
skeins of linen, can be admitted. The ladies, 
besides, bring plenty of cake and other things 
necessary for an entertainment; the gentlemen 
send wine, fruit, etc., and spend the evening in 
social chat ; while, from the abundance provided, 
there is, as may be supposed, much honey left, 
after the bee. 

'* Lord^s Doy^ May l^th. — Preached all day 
with great freedom, and to attentive congrega- 
tions. Text in the afternoon, * For the Lord 
God is a sun and a shield, &c.' It was easy- 
preaching : many wept: may the Lord bless 
this word, and make my visit here, beneficial to 
some precious soul. Crossed the river with 

brother L , who preached, at five o'clock, to a 

large collection of people. I again preached in 
the evening, and afterwards had some conver- 
sation with a young lady, who appears to be un- 
der deep conviction of sin : the Lord have mercy 
on her, and lead her to give her heart to her Sa- 
vior. 

**May 15^7l— Dined with Deacon P. an English- 
man, from Dr. Rippon's church, London. Took 
tea with Col. Talmage, the father-in-law of Dr. 
Gano. The old people seem willing to renounce 
the world, and seek a better country. My re- 
ception in this place has been flattering in the 
extreme. May my heart be grateful to the Fa- 
ther of mercies, who disposes all hearts, and or- 
ders all things. 



BELA JACOBS. 85 

""' May lltlu — Preached at the house of Col. 
Talmage, from the words of the Greeks to Philip. 
' Sir, we would see Jesus.' 

^^ May 18^A.— Rode this morning with brother 
L. to a high hill back of the town, in order to 
take a look at the beautiful prospect from thence. 
We left our carriage at the foot of the hill, and 
walked up. It was indeed a delightful prospect ; 
before us rolled the noble Hudson within its 
lofty banks, beyond were high rocky hills, and 
still beyond, the Catskill mountains reared their 
majestic heads, while at our feet, was the charm- 
ing village of P , surrounded with all its beauti- 
ful variety of hill and valley, wood and water. 
This is a pleasant land, but there is a better 
country." 

Mr. Jacobs preached twice in New York, on 
Sunday, May 21st., in the morning at Fayette St. 
(Rev. Mr. Williams',) in the afternoon at Mul- 
berry St. (Rev. Mr. Maclay's,) he says, *' As 
usual, I felt much better when I had done my 
day's work." 

Mr. Jacobs of course visited all places of note 
in the city ; among others, the State Prison, and 
City Hospital. Of the former, he says, *' Fath- 
er Staniford politely accompanied me the rounds, 
offering himself as ' ticket and guide.' My sen- 
sations were almost overpowering, when those 
ponderous doors opened for our admittance, and 
locks and bars closed behind us again. I could 
not help shedding tears, as I passed some youths 
in their teens. How awful, even in this life, are 
the effects of sin. In the hospital of the prison I 
made a short prayer, as I had done at the City 



JDO BELA JACOBS. 

Hospital, and returned thanking God for his 
restraining grace granted to me, naturally as 
prone to evil as were these. I enjoy sweet lib- 
erty, and more and better, to the praise of re-^ 
deeming love be it spoken, I am, as I trust, free 
from the condemnation of God's righteous law, 
through the atonement of our Savior Jesus." 

Mr. Jacobs preached on Tuesday evening, for 
the Rev. Mr. Williams, and again on Wednes- 
day evening, for the Rev. Mr. Maclay : after 
this latter service, he went with a friend to see 
the celebrated sleeping-preacher, as she was 
called, Miss Rachel Baker : he says, '^ The ex- 
ercises are always conducted in the same man- 
ner, viz. after sufferino' a spasm, she makes a 
prayer of considerable length ; then, an address 
on some religious subject : she closes with a 
shorter prayer ; another spasm succeeds, after 
which she falls into an easy sleep. On our be- 
ing shown to her room, 1 took my station just 
before her, at the foot of the bed, and watched 
her very narrowly. She was perfectly motion- 
less, except her head, which was elevated a good 
deal by pillows, and which she occasionally 
moved from right to left : she sometimes also 
earnestly bent it forward, and then threw it back 
with violence ; but she did not move her hand, 
nor even a finger. ■ I lifted her arm, and, letting 
it fall, the motion was precisely that of a person 
in a perfect sleep. I felt her pulse, which was 
perfectly regular. Her eyes were closed, and, 
at a little distance, it seemed that we were ad- 
dressed by one of the dead. Her prayer on this 
evening was, for about fifteen minutes, and 



BELA JACOBS. 87 

sometimes very loud ; her petitions to the throne 
of grace were very earnest, for the church, for 
the ungodly, for the heathen world, for herself, 
her parents, and friends. She then commenced 
a very solemn address to those hound to the bar 
of God, spoke of the shortness of time, compared 
it with eternity, and urged the importance of 
being prepared ; she pointed out the deep sin- 
fulness of man, and the utter insufficiency of his 
own works to procure salvation, w^hile she ex- 
hibited Jesus, an almighty and only Savior. She 
told us time was the only space of repentance, 
and painted in glowing colors the last judgment, 
and the happiness of the holy ; and, in a style 
really sublime, depicting the destruction of the 
ungodly : she closed with an exhortation to all 
classes. Her discourse occupied twenty-three 
minutes : she then made a short prayer of seven 
minutes, and fell into spasms which lasted about 
four minutes. She was dreadfully convulsed 
all over: I felt her hands, which were clenched 
like vices; when awake she remembers nothing 
that has occurred during her sleep." Mr. Jacobs 
the next day took tea with the family in which 
Miss Baker resided, in order to have some con- 
versation with her : her case, which in the pres- 
ent day would probably be referred to somnam- 
bulism, interested him very much at the time. 

On the 30th of May, Mr. Jacobs was safely 
returned to his family, after a month's absence, 
he had enjoyed better health than he had dared 
to anticipate, and had been able to preach four- 
teen times. Nothing was more pleasing to him, 
when in health, than an invitation to preach ; 



88 BELA JACOBS. 

that was the work to which he considered him- 
self called and appointed by God, and to which 
a council of ministers had solemnly set him 
apart, bidding him preach ev^ery where the glad 
news of pardon for sin ; and, while in this em- 
ployment he took great delight : so, on the con- 
trary, he was ever deeply distressed when a 
Sabbath came and he could not proclaim the 
message of God to sinful man. In the perform- 
ance of his accustomed duties, Mr. Jacobs fin- 
ished the year 1815. 

In February of the following year, Mr. Jacobs 
originated a ministerial association, whose first 
quarterly meeting was held at his house in Paw- 
tuxet. On the 30th recurrence of his birth-day, 
he writes, '* Oh, the boundless grace of God, 
which has made me what I am. To restraining 
mercy I owe my preservation from a thousand 
sins ; to electing mercy I owe a good hope of 
reaching heaven at last, through the merits of 
my Savior, who has also, as I hope, called me 
to publish the glad tidings of salvation to my 
fellow men. How should my heart be filled 
with gratitude!'^ 

'* Wednesday^ February l^th, — This morning 
one of our sisters entered into her rest, and 
surely to her it has been a glorious change ; she 
has been deranged for several years, and lately 
her distress has been very great. This is the 
second member we have lost since this year 
commenced, both of whom had long been in- 
sane. I trust they now know even as they are 
known. My text at her funeral will be, ' Fa- 
ther, I will that they also whom thou hast given 
me, be with me where I am.' 



BELA JACOBS. 89 

^^ February ISth, — Lord's-day ; very stormy, 
and but few present : I endeavored to feel 
that their souls were precious, and demanded 
my most earnest labors ; yet it looks discouraging 
to see but twenty or thirty at meeting in a village 
where two or three hundred might attend. Still, 
if the Lord has sent nje here, I will proclaim his 
word, whether they will hear or forbear; let me 
be in earnest, though they are neglectful : let 
me sow in hope, and wait with patience until 
the harvest come. 

** February 25th. — This morning I prayed, I 
think, importunately, that God would grant his 
blessing on the duties of the day. After morn- 
ing worship I retired to my study, and, reflect- 
ing on the astonishing indifference of the people 
in this place, and their utter disregard of religious 
truth, I felt my heart rise in an unbecoming 
manner, and repine at my lot ; but I was im- 
mediately self-condemned, and besought my 
heavenly Parent to give me patience to wait all 
his appointed time. In the afternoon preached 
with great freedom from Hosea iv. 17 ; ' Ephraitn 
is joined to idols ; let him alone.' I thought, 
surely this will not be in vain in convincing my 
brethren." 

The early part of the year 1816 was signal- 
ized by extensive revivals in many parts of New- 
England ; in Pawtucket and in Providence, there 
had been very many conversions. Mr. Jacobs 
frequently preached in these places, and then 
returned to mourn over the coldness of his own 
flock. 

^^ Saturday^ March 9th, — I visit Providence 



90 



EELA. JACOBS. 



once a week to see the good work of the Lord ; 
not that I by any means beheve that Jehovah 
confines his presence to any place. Lo ! God is 11 
every wliere, and, though being witness of the ■! 
warm zeal of others, may have some effect on 
our own mind, there is nothing like a throne of 
grace, and this is always accessible wherever we 
may be. 

'' March lO^A. — Sabbath-morn. Another day 
of solemnities has arrived. Am I prepared for 
my place in the sanctuary ? Those who worship 
God must do so in spirit and in truth. Let me 
then examine myself, and see if the spirit of the 
Savior dvvelleth in me, and inquire whether I 
am prepared to tread his courts, and worship 
him in the beauty of holiness. Evening^ — select- 
ed the text this afternoon in Proverbs viii. 17; 
' Those that seek me early, shall find me.' I 
felt great anxiety for the youth for whose sake I 
had selected the subject ; but they are joined to 
their vanity. When the spirit of truth touches 
their hearts, then will they hear and fear, and 
turn unto the Lord. Was visited by a young 
man who seems deeply impressed with the ne- 
cessity of personal religion ; may it result in his 
being made in deed and in truth a Christian. 

" March \Qth. — Oh ! the sin in my heart. 
Angry passions rise and disturb my peace. 

' My Savior, steep this heart of mine 
In thine own crimson sea.' 

I abhor myself, that I should suffer a mere trifle 
so to ruffle my spirit and make me forget myself. 



BELA JACOBS. 91 

Oh ! that the same mind may be in me, that was 
in the Lamb of God, when here below ; he was 
holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners. 
I fancied this morning, that I should take great 
satisfaction to-day in my study, in reading the 
word of God, and in endeavoring to draw near to 
him by prayer,but a little accident that took place 
before breakfast, has followed me all day. Let it 
teach me my vileness, and humble me in the dust. 

*' Lord's Day^ March 17^A.— The day when 
Jesus triumphed over death and the grave ; let 
me also in his strength arise from spiritual death 
and live in newness of life. Another opportu- 
nity given me to warn sinners to flee from the 
wrath to come, and to exhort Christians to prac- 
tise godliness. And, did they come to hear me, 
it would be encouraging \ but when most of the 
seats are vacant, oh ! I sigh and am dishearten- 
ed. Yet let me feel the worth of one immortal 
soul. The rescue of one spirit, would compen- 
sate for ages of labor. I will not be weary. 

^' March 28th. — Was sent for to visit a woman, 
who is truly distressed in view of her sins ; 
she is more than seventy years of age. I en- 
deavored to comfort her, by leading her to Je- 
sus, the sinner's only hope. 

^^ April 5th. — Visited, last evening, a man who 
has been very profane, and hardened; who now 
seems truly penitent. 

*' April 1th, — The person mentioned on Friday, 
has attended meeting all day, for the first time 
in eighteen months. We live in a wonderful 
day. The gospel is spreading into every land, 
and nations who have long been sitting in dark- 



92 BELA JACOBS. 

ness, and in the shadow of death, are rejoicing 
that the light of salvation's bright morning is 
dawning on them. 

^ 'April 21 St. — A strange occurrence took place 
in our village yesterday. Two boys, about 
twelve years of age, entered the meeting-house 
by a window, and did as much mischief as possi- 
ble ; cutting to pieces cushions, bibles, and 
hymn-books ; they tore down the gallery candle- 
sticks, and, taking the communion service from 
its place under the pulpit, they were making off, 
when they were discovered and caught. Great 
numbers attended meeting to-day, many, doubt- 
less to see the appearance of the house in its 
disordered state.'' About the end of May, Mr. 
Jacobs writes, *' Whatever be the cause, there 
has for some months been an increasing attend- 
ance on Sabbath, at our meetings, and quite a 
number appear serious. May the work be of the 
Lord, and not of man. In the whole course of 
ipy ministry, I have never felt as I do now, nor 
can I describe my emotions. A kind of despair 
of ever being useful, in this place at least if any 
where. 1 know God is a sovereign in all his 
ways, and can employ me as he sees fit; to Him 
I would go in all my trials, and on Him I would 
rely at every step. 

' In each event of life how clear 
His ruling hand I see.' " 

I cannot forbear inserting, in this place, two 
little poems which are without date, but which, 
from the hand-writing must have been penned 



BELA JACOBS. 93 

about this time. Mr. Jacobs never fancied him- 
self a poet, because he could ** write lines with 
rhymes at the end of them," and the greatest 
part of these rhyme-ended lines were written in 
the long suffering nights, w^hen unable to speak, 
from asthma, and were usually riddles or stories 
for his children. 

'in me ye shall have peace.' 

" Lift up your heads, ye saints of God, 
And let your sorrows cease; 
Remember Jesus spoke the word, 
' In me ye shall have peace.' 

Though many trials I endure, 

Friends fail, and foes increase, 
I trust upon the promise sure, 

' In me ye shall have peace.' 

If earthly friends my hopes shall blast. 

And earthly joys decrease, 
There is an anchor sure and fast, 

' In me ye shall have peace.' 

Though storms and clouds impede my way. 

And boisterous are my seas, 
By faith I hear my Savior say, 

' In me ye shall have peace.' " 

The other was written after preaching from 
that passage in 1 Cor. xiii. 13. ** And now abid- 
eth faith, &c." 

'faith, hope, charity.' 

" Faith unveils to sinner's eyes 
The all adorning sacrifice. 

To which our passions move ; 
And Hope, sweet Hope leads on the way 
To life and immortality ; 

But greater still is Love. 
8 



94 BELA JACOBS. 

Love makes the great salvation ours, 
While constantly towards heaven it towers, 

And gives a present joy ; 
But Faith, far distant views the prize, 
And Hope must pierce through cloudy skies, 

To gain the bliss on high. 

Faith, destitute of Love, is vain. 
And Hope without it, turns to pain, 

Or dwindles to despair; 
But, wrought with love, Faith fruitful grows, 
And Hope, when cherished by it, knows 

What solid comforts are. 

But when we mount to dwell above, 
Then shall we be complete in Love ; 

And Faith and Hope will die : 
Hope has no "better land " to view, 
Nor Faith her tiials to go through ; 

Love lives eternally." 

About this time he writes *' Appearances some- 
times brighten a little, bat, like the lightning's 
flash, they only leave us darker than before. 
Had no help in our conference, so called, this 
evening. So I have had to hold three meetings, 
administer the sacrament, and do all the talking, 
praying, and almost all the singing, as we have 
had no singers in our seats for nearly six months. 
I always read the usual hymns, however, and we 
sing as we can." Mr. Jacobs baptized four dur- 
ing the year 1816. All females, however, and 
of course unable to afford the assistance which 
he wished in his meetings. About the beginning 
of the year 1817, he says, '* The Baptist church- 
es in Europe, and America, and Asia, have set 
apart the first Monday evening in every month, 
for special prayer, that we may be blessed with a 
revival of religion, at home and abroad. I had 



BELA JACOBS. 95 

a meeting for this purpose, at my house this 
evening; two brethren only attended, and one 
of them — I will not say it. Yet we had a good 
meeting, as that doubtless was a happy time, 
when the sons of God came to present them- 
selves before the Lord, though Satan came also 
among them.'' 

^'February 6th. — On my return from our min- 
ister's meeting in Pawtuxet, I heard that 

thinks he was led to feel the power of religion 
in his own heart, by means of my discourse, on 
Lord's day evening. Laus Deo ! I understand 
the Smithites are fastening on him, and will 
probably entangle him in their net ; however, if 
the Lord has converted him, he will be taken 
care of, though he follows not with us. 

^^Fehruary 28^^.— Two men called to converse 
with me on the subject of religion ; they are 
both seamen. May not the Lord have laid them 
ashore for purposes of mercy ? 

*' Lord's Day, March 2J.— Exchanged with 
brother Baker, of Providence, and broke bread 
to the church ; after meeting, came out, bring- 
ing with me a couple of brethren, for our con- 
ference this evening, which was a very interest- 
ing one. There were about eighty present, who 
listened with the deepest attention. Conversed 
with several who appeared quite serious, and 
with one man who gives hopeful evidence of his 
knowing the grace of God in truth. Oh the 
value of one soul ! Let me labor in the vineyard 
with increased, and ever-increasing zeal ; and 
although the fruit should not shake like Leba- 
non, I rejoice most heartily at the returning of 



96 BELA JACOBS. 

one wanderer to the fold. I never can rest till 
every one of my dear people in this place are 
walking with their faces heavenward. 

** Friday Evenings 7th, — Oh ! if we have an 
Achan in our camp. At our church meeting 
this evening we were greatly disturbed by the 
contentious spirit of one man. I fear the church 
can never be united and prosperous, while he is 
in it ; yet such is our weakness as a body, that 
we cannot easily get rid of him. It has made 
me feel wretched and low. 

'* 3farch 8t/i. — Have been laden all day with 
the burden of last night's dreadful meeting. I 
felt so much that I found it impossible to study ; 
and from some conversation with the other mem- 
bers of the church, I am convinced that though 
measures will be adopted to free ourselves from 
this evil, the difficulty will be a serious one, 
shaking the church to its very centre. The con- 
nections of the individual are extensive, and all 
will rally. But I endeavor to resign it into the 
hands of unerring wisdom and kindness; and, 
while looking to the Lord for direction, I shall 
strive to act as may be right in his sight. 

** March I9th. — Had a conference this evening 
about a mile from the village, and, contrary to 
my expectation, a respectable number present; 
but as none came to help me confer, I talked 
a sermon to them. I will scatter the gospel seed 
while I am able ; perhaps it may spring up and 
grow, though I may never see it." 

The troublesome individual alluded to before, 
made at the next church meeting '' a kind of 
acknowledgment, which was accepted." 



BELA JACOBS. 97 

On the next week, Mr. Jacobs writes — "The 
fire that was thought by many to have been ex- 
tinguished, has broken out again with redoubled 
fury, and they are going to turn it on my head ; 
but I fear not. In this respect I can say with 
David, 'Preserve me, oh God, fori am holy.' 
I have to-day received another letter from New- 
Bedford, still urging me to settle among them. 
I scarcely know what to do ; Lord, direct thou 
me. If it be still my duty to stay here and suf- 
fer, let me not leave — and oh ! unless thy pres- 
ence goes with me, lead me not from hence." 

" Jlpril ISth, — At 9 o'clock this morning we 
assembled at the water-side, and I baptized Mr. 
R . Preached three times to-day, and ad- 
ministered the Lord's supper : my lungs are now 
worn quite thread bare. Well, if I may but be 
the humble instrument of winning souls to Jesus, 
I think I feel willing to wear out my lungs in 
sounding forth his w^orthy name and spotless 
righteousness." 

Mr. Jacobs went, in April of this year, to New- 
Bedford, and spent one Sabbath with them. He 
declined becoming their pastor, principally be- 
cause, as he says, '^ they are cordially hated by 
their congregational brethren, and I am a man 
loving peace." On his return home, he says, 
** My family and flock all well ; I have travelled 
about one hundred miles, visited many friends, 
and preached six times in as many days; and in 
all, the good hand of the Lord hath been over 
me." 

'* June 2dth, 1817. — Preached a funeral ser- 
mon on the death of two young men, brothers, 



98 BELA JACOBS. 

who died from home on board the same ship. 
My text, * Is there no bahn in Gilead, is there 
no physician there ? ' " 

The summer of 1S17, was distinguished by 
several occurrences of a painful nature. One 
young man in Mr. Jacobs' congregation, while 
attempting to tire a salute in honor of the Presi- 
dent then passing the village, had both his arms 
blown off. On the next Sabbath afternoon, 
another young man, twenty-two years of age, was 
found hanging in a garret, having been driven to 
suicide by ill-health and melancholy. About 
this time, also, one of the families belonging to 
Pawtuxet lost a son, a very promising young 
man, making their third son who had died in the 
short period of fifty days. Every affliction of 
this sort was deeply felt by their pastor, who 
had, besides, his own peculiar griefs. His soci- 
ety, though most affectionately attentive to him, 
did not show that regard for religion which it 
had been for seven years his hope to witness in 
them ; and of this church, about one half only, 
felt so far interested in the worship of God, as 
regularly to attend the sacrament. One indi- 
vidual, before alluded to, continued to distract 
the church ; so that Mr. Jacobs at . one time 

writes, ^* We had a distressing meeting ; 

quarrelled all the evening with all the church, 
which has not power or spirit enough to put him 
down. I had great difficulty in keeping calm, 
and returned, grieved to the very soul." This 
being the state of affairs in P., Mr. Jacobs, with- 
out hesitation, accepted an invitation from the 
Baptist church in Cambridge, Mass., to visit 



BELA JACOBS. 99 

them for a few weeks, with the prospect, if 
both parties were pleased, of finally becoming 
their pastor. His first visit to Cambridge, was 
made in April 1818; his first sermon was 
preached on Fast-day, April 2d. He speaks of 
it with his usual self-diffidence. *' I felt this 
morning sadly tried and cast down, at the pros- 
pect of preaching in a strange place, in the sub- 
urbs of the metropolis, the town of the great 
university ; and then the tremendous responsi- 
bility of a messenger from the Almighty to sinful 
men, resting always and everywhere on all min- 
isters. No man, without help from above, can 
endure so great a weight. May I receive this 
assistance ever ; and grant, Lord, that the labors 
of to-day may not be in vain. My family, too, 
and my own dear people at home, be thou round 
about them all in great mercy." 

^^ April 1th. — Boston; dined with brother 
Winchell, and spent the afternoon with Dr. 
Baldwin. In the evening I preached for Br. 
Sharp. When I look back a ^qw years, I am 
constrained to say, * What hath God wrought 1 ' 
The first time I visited Boston, it was as a poor 
orphan boy, seeking employment and finding 
none — destitute of friends, homeless and forlorn. 
I was distressed enough, until a young man lent 
me money to take me to Providence, R. I. Now, 
I am welcomed to the houses of the most re- 
spectable, and to the pulpits of the churches. 
'Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not any 
of his benefits.' 

" Cambridge^ April lUA. — To-day the sun 
appeared for the first time in ten days. The 



100 



EELA JACOBS. 



pleasure we all felt and expressed on seeing a 
pleasant day, after so long a storm, brought to my 
mind the joy we shall feel to overflowing, if we 
are so unspeakably happy as to arrive in heaven 
after all the storms of life. I have to-day, among 
other places, visited the university : saw the 
library, the museum, the philosophical chamber, 
6lc. May I be wise unto salvation, knowing 
how so to live, that I may hereafter be accepted 
of God. ' All arts and sciences beside, will do 
us little good.' 

^^ Sunday, April 19th. — I tremble on the 
morning of the Lord's-day, lest I should not be 
able to speak at all, and should thus be confound- 
ed before the people. Hundreds of times has 
my Heavenly Father supported me, and yet my 
faithless heart cannot rely on his aid. I have 
great reason to bless his name for all his good- 
ness to us this day ; a day, whose doings will, I 
hope, be joyfully remembered by some precious 
souls. I preached this morning from Acts viii. 
36, 38 ; * See, here is water : what doth hinder 
me to be baptized.' I endeavored in a plain and 
brief manner to exhibit the subjects, and the 
mode of baptism ; after which, we repaired to 
the creek, and I immersed two females.^ A 
large assembly at the water, though it was a 
cold and windy day. Oh that the Lord would 
bless his own ordinance ! Weeks seem to me 
like months, when away from home. Had a letter 

*This was the first time the ordinance of ChristiaH bap- 
tism had ever been administered in the to^vn of Cam- 
bridge. The candidates were Mrs. Palmer, and Miss F. 
Baker. 



BELA JACOBS. 101 

this morning, informing me that my loved ones 
all are well. 

*' April 26th, — Preached this morning from 
Acts ii. 42 ; * And they continued steadfastly in 
the Apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, and in 
breaking of bread, and in prayers.' Baptized 
three at noon, and in the afternoon admitted six 
to the fellowship of the church. 

'' Lord' S'day ^ May 2ith. — This has been an 
unusually pleasant day to me. I have preached 
all day with great ease. The congregations 
have been large and attentive : surely there are 
appearances of good in this place. My best text 
was that in the afternoon, from John viii. 36 ; 
' My kingdom is not of this world.' I desire to 
thank the Lord for the mercies of this day." 

Mr. Jacobs in this sermon made the following 
remarks : — ** I have been particularly struck, in 
reading the history of our Lord, with the blind- 
ness of the disciples' minds, as it regards the na- 
ture of their Master's kingdom. They had read 
the writings of their prophets, they had there 
found intimations of a glorious kingdom to be 
established in the latter days, and, associating 
with these revelations their own worldly ideas, 
they dreamed of a temporal monarchy, similar 
to those already established, though far excelling 
all others in power, and pomp, and splendor, 
and providing far more largely for the happiness 
of its subjects. Impressed with these ideas, they 
were always stumbling at the doctrine of the 
cross. When this heavenly teacher represented 
to them that he must be rejected by all author- 
ities, civil and ecclesiastic, by Gentile and by 
Jew— that he must endure every kind of ignominy 



i02 



BELA JACOBS. 



and reproach, and finally suffer a death of an- 
guish: they could not understand him. They 
fancied that he was not speaking plainly to them, 
but, wrapping up his meaning in figures; and, 
notwithstanding their Master's instructions, all 
had a tendency to direct their attention from 
temporal to spiritual things, they were always 
ambitious of the honors and offices of the antici- 
pated kingdom on the earth. At one time we 
hear them contending who shall be greatest; and 
at another, we see two of them very importunate 
to be constituted the principal officers of state. 
And finally, when their Lord was slain as a 
malefactor, darkness, like that in the natural 
world, filled their minds. Sad was the termi- 
nation of their fond hopes, and golden expecta- 
tions. And some of them breathed out their 
grief, as if their hopes and trust had died with 
him. * We trusted it had been he who should 
have redeemed Israel.' 

"Jesus, the King, possesses every qualification, 
and every title to the throne. In him are hid- 
den (or laid up) all the treasures of wisdom 
and knowledge. And then, what goodness 
dwells in him, who is the brightness of his Fa- 
ther's glory, and the express image of his person! 
What power ! he is the power of God, and the 
wisdom of God ; and he spoke, saying, ' All 
power is given unto me, in heaven and in earth/ 
It hath pleased the Father that in him should all 
fulness dwell ; and he is the head over all 
things to the church. And the Father judgeth 
no man, but hath committed all judgment unto 
the Son. 

" Jesus the king, is entitled to the throne. 



I 



BELA JACOBS. 



103 



First, he inherits the throne by birth ; by that 
relation which he holds to the Eternal God ; 
not simply as the first, but as the only begotten 
Son ; the natural, hereditary heir of all the dig- 
nities and offices of the kingdom. See the first 
chapter of Hebrews. 

**Again, Jesus is the choice of all his subjects. 
Angels and men unite *to crown him Lord of 
all : ' true, there are some who will not have 
him to rule over them, and their fate we read in 
Luke xix. 27. 

"Again, men sometimes ascend a throne by 
conquest. So does the King of saints. He con- 
quers all ; his subjects are made willing in the 
day of his power ; and his arrows are sharp in 
the hearts of his enemies, whereby they fall un- 
der him. Yet, unlike earthly conquerors, the 
blood he spills, is all his own. 

'* Most kingdoms and states have risen from 
small beginnings ; have grown by courting the 
friendship of some, and opposing with force 
the enmity of other states. Look at this king- 
dom. Its origin was indeed small, and it had 
no where to look for allies. It saw itself, from 
the beginning, surrounded by a world in arms* 
Its adherents were told, that they^ should be 
hated of all men, that they should be opposed 
by the Greek and the Jew, by the learned and 
the rude. On what had they to rely ? not on 
their numbers to look down opposition, for they 
were few ; not on their mental power, for they 
were illiterate ; but on his arm who spoke the 
word. 

Trusting in his promise, they went forth, to 
wage a perpetual war with the whole world, not 



104 BELA JACOBS. 

with sword and fire, to force a feigned convic- 
tion, and an external conformity to their doc- 
trines ; but, in weakness and simplicity, they 
went forth, and preached a risen Savior, and 
a finished righteousness ; leaving resuUs in the 
hand of Him, who worketh all things accord- 
ing to the counsels of his own will. 

*'JVor were they unsuccessful. The weapons i 
of their warfare were indeed mighty ; and those 
unlearned preachers soon found, by happy ex- 
perience, that the foolishness of God was wiser 
than men, and the weakness of God stronger 
than all man's power." 

Mr. Jacobs went home to Pawtuxet, on a visit 
for ten days, and afterwards spent a month with 
the church in Cambridge, before his final re- 
moval thither, which took place on the 17th of 
June, 1818. 

^^June\2th. — I think it is ten years to-day since 
I was first licensed to preach by the church in 
Somerset, Mass. Many changes have taken 
place since that time. I preached to that people 
more than two years, and here I have been la- 
boring more than seven. But oh ! how little 
good have I accomplished. I am now on the 
eve of another remove. Lord, make me more 
successful, and to thy name be all the glory ! 

*^June IMi. — This has been a peculiar day to 
me, on account of the sorrow of many hearts. 
I had had no idea that my people would feel so 
badly, or that 1 should be so much distressed at 
the thought of leaving these few sheep in the 
wilderness. I preached in the morning from 1st 
Thess.v. 12. 'And we beseech you, brethren, to 
know them which labor among you, &c.* I en- 



BELA JACOBS. 105 

deavored to tell them what a pastor should be, and 
their duty towards a future pastor. In the after- 
noim from * Finally brethren, farewell.' A sol- 
emn time we had of it. We then came around 
the sacred table, perhaps for the last time. We 
sobbed and wept, and mingled our prayers, that 
we all might be counted worthy to sit down in 
the kingdom above, to part no more forever. I 
have here experienced much joy and sorrow. I 
trust the Lord sent me here, and I humbly be- 
lieve my labors have not been altogether in vain. 
I know there are some who have reason to bless 
God that ever I came among them ; and for my- 
self, I leave with sorrow many valuable friends. 
God bless them, and thee, Pawtuxet." 

Mr. Jacobs had been connected with the 
church in Pawtuxet, between seven and eight 
years, and had many warm attachments there. 
He had preached for them over a thousand ser- 
mons, and baptized twenty individuals ; had mar- 
ried one or more members of many families, had 
buried and mourned for very many ; and it was 
painful to break through the ties, with him al- 
ways strong ones, of pastor and flock. He had 
mentioned, in the extracts given, most of the 
reasons for his removal ; there was, however, 
another of considerable importance. Pawtuxet 
at that tine, afforded no facilities for educating 
his children, and he could not think of his own 
want of early advantages, and the painful re- 
sults to himself of a deficient education, without 
the strong determination to spare his children, as 
far as possible, the mortification and sorrow to 
which he had himself been subject. 
9 



106 BELA JACOBS. 

He left Pawtuxet, amid the sorrowing adieus 
of his numerous friends ; the carriage was fol- 
lowed by the prayers of his *' good sisters" and 
the tears of men, stout of iieart, and stern, who, 
caring little for religion, loved in him the cheer- 
fulness, uprightness, and aftectionateness, pro- 
duced by the spirit of piety breathing through jj 
his daily life and conversation. This attach- ' 
ment did not cease with his residence among 
them, but continued throughout all the years of 
his after life. They welcomed him with joy 
whenever he visited them, and he has left no 
friends to mourn him more sincerely, than do 
some of them.* 



^ From Col. and Mrs. Bowen, from the families of the 
Messrs. Rhodes, from Capt. E. Smith, and Capt. Aborn, 
Mr. Jacobs had received many kindnesses: they are not 
now forgotten. 



1 



CHAPTER VI. 



EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL RECOGNITION AS PAS» 

TOR OF THE CAMBRIDGE CHURCH JOURNAL 

CONTINUED CLOSE OF HIS FIRST YEAR IN 

CAMBRIDGE VISIT TO PAWTUXET EXTRACTS 

CLOSE OF YEAR 1819. 



«' Cambridge, Thursday, June ISth, — My fur- 
niture arrived, and the day was spent in settling 
ourselves in our new habitation. This is like 
beginning the world anew. It is my earnest 
prayer, that the Lord would make me useful in 
this part of his vineyard. May my coming hith- 
er be not all in vain, but may souls be born to 
God, under the instrumentality of my ministry. 

'' Lord's Day, June ^\st. — Preached all day 
with reference to my coming among this people. 
In the morning, from Acts x. 29. * I ask 
therefore for what intent ye have sent for me : ' 
dwelling chiefly on the motives which should in- 
ducje a Christian congregation to call and settle 
a minister. In the afternoon, from Psalm Ixxi. 
16. * I will go in the strength of the Lord God ; 
I will make mention of thy righteousness, even 
of thine only.' In this sermon, I endeavored 



108 BELA JACOBS. 



'rii 



to show what doctrine I meant to preach, and 
where I relied for strength and support. In the 
evening, I exhibited to tlie church their obliga- 
tion to assist their minister, from Rom. xv. 30 — 
32. ' Now I beseech you, brethren, for the 
Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the 
Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your 
prayers to God for me. That I may come unto 
you with joy, by the will of God, and may with 
you be refreshed.' I think it has been my most 
earnest prayer, from my first thinking of coming 
to this place, that the Lord would come with me 
and make me a blessing to this people. Lo ! I 
renew it to-day. Let me not be a cumberer of 
the soil in the vineyard of my Master, but draw, 
I pray thee, some souls to holiness, by means of 
my imperfect and sinning exertions ! 

^' Tuesday, June 2Sd. — Spent the day in study. 
I intend to apply myself more closely than I 
have been able to do of late, to books, and to 
that more delightful source of instruction, prayer. 
'Tis God alone can make me an able minister 
of the New Testament ; then will I always go 
to Him, who teaches as neither man nor books 
can teach, whose teachings enter the heart at 
once, and make the inmost spirit wise. 

'^June24th. — Few out at our conference this 
evening. The brethren live some distance from 
the place of meeting, and the present is a busy 
time with farmers. Such is the best apology I 
can make for them ; but if their hearts were 
w^arm, they would not need any, for they w^ould 
appear. 

*' July 8th. — Visited two sick women. But 



BELA JACOBS. 109 

oh ! the difference religion makes. One of 
them, a Christian indeed as we believe, is hap- 
py ; regarding her sickness not as an affliction, 
but as a blessing from her heavenly Father's 
hand. The other dreads the approach of death, 
as the final close of all her joys, the sealing 
stroke of her own ruin. I spoke to her of the 
mercy of the atonement, and told her to go to 
the Lamb of God. 

^^July l^th. — The Lord's ways are not as our 
ways, nor his thoughts as our thoughts. I was 
looking for sunshine and no clouds, and yet the 
cloud has overspread us. I was to-day called to 
visit one of my deacons, who is sick with a fever. 
May God, in mercy to us, and to the infant 
church in this place, spare him yet a little 
longer.'' 

On Wednesday, July 22d, Mr. Jacobs was 
publicly recognized as pastor of the Cambridge 
church. Dr. Sharp, of Boston, preached from 
2 Cor. V. 20 ; " Now, then, we are ambassadors 
for Christ, &/C." Dr. Gano gave the charge, 
Dr. Baldwin the fellowship, and Messrs. J. 
Grafton and E. Williams offered prayers. Four 
of the men of God concerned in the services of 
that day, have already finished their earthly ser- 
vice, given up the accounts of their ministry, 
and joined the worshipping assembly of heaven. 
They are gone! Gano, and Baldwin, and Jacobs, 
and Grafton. What meetings must heaven af-* 
ford ! They knew and loved each other when 
Btained with all human imperfections. They are 
now satisfied, for they have awaked in the like- 
ness of their Savior ; and as they behold each 
9# 



110 BELA JACOBS. Jm \ 

■II 

Other purified and free from the soil of sin, do 
they not turn to shout a loftier hymn of praise 
to Him, whose righteousness has wrought for 
them their robes of white, and by whose blood 
they have been made worthy to dwell among the 
sanctified ! 

''July 31s^. — Another month gone: thus 
month after month slide away, and years are 
speeding towards eternity ; yet how little do I 
meditate on my eternal home, ' a dying Savior, 
and a world to come!' 

''August Sd. — Purchased a number of books 
to-day. May I use them aright for the glory of 
God, and the advancement of his cause in the 
world. I see and feel more and more my own 
ignorance and want of efficiency ; and I daily 
make it a matter of prayer, that I may be a 
workman needing not to be ashamed, rightly 
dividing the word of truth. 

" August 14:th. — Have had a serious attack of 
asthma. Last night, the first time for a week, 
was able to lie down. We are, this morning, 
seriously alarmed for our eldest child : S. has 
her fears that she will not recover ; but it seems 
to me the merciful Lord will spare her to us. I 
have, to-day, had a humbling sense of the dis- 
tinguishing goodness of the Lord to me. When 
looking back, and viewing what I was, and what 
my heavenly Father has done for me, I think I 
felt something like gratitude kindle in my cold 
heart. 

" August 15th, — Our little daughter no bet- 
ter. Oh, my God, interpose thine all-powerful 
arm to save ; nor let this morning flower fade so 



KELA JACOBS. Ill 

soon. Oh, hear our prayers, and send deliver- 
ance. 

'* One o' clock. The fever very high. I keep 
close by the mercy-seat. The Lord, I believe, 
has answered my prayers in times ])ast ; to him 
alone, I look for help in this time of distress. 

" Lord' S'day , \6th. — My child seems more 
comfortable to-day, and I entered on the duties 
of the sanctuary with a less heavy heart. My 
brother B. C. Grafton preached a lecture for me 
in the evening. 

'' Monday, 17fA.— -My child is better ; she 
seems to be almost entirely rid of fever. I think 
my heart feels grateful to the Parent of the uni- 
verse for his mercies to me. Lord, let all thy 
goodness lead me to repentance. Br. B. Grafton 
left here for Providence, to bring on his family 
to West-Cambridge. I am very happy in hav- 
ing him so near me.* I was going to say I had 
done little to-day, having visited only two or 
three sick persons ; but is it a little thing for a 
minister to visit the sick 1 visits need the Lord's 
blessing as much as any other sort of labor ; and 
it is only by grace assisting, that I can keep my 
garments clear from the blood of souls. 

^^ August l^tli. — Just as I w^as stepping out 
of my door this evening, in order to attend our 

conference, our brother P , who lives in the 

house with me, was brought home dangerously 
hurt, having been kicked in the stomach by a 

* Mr. B. Grafton was one of the earliest and most inti- 
mate f nends of Mr. Jacobs. He had, about a year before 
this, relinquished his business in Providence, and devoted 
himself to preaching. 



118 BELA JACOBS. 

horse. I had but little hope of his recovery; but 
as my assistance was not particularly needed, 
the house being full, I retired to my study, and 
spent some time in prayer for him. 

*' Jlugust 20th. — My child is mending very ; 
fast. God grant that she is spared for usefulness 

in the world. Br. P ^'s case still doubtful. 

How frail a thing is man! Here is an uncom- 
monly stout man, who seemed as if he never 
knew what weakness meant, and in a moment 
he is brought down to lie helpless and suffering, 
God can show us, in a moment, that all our 
springs are in him. 

" August 24M. — Saturday. My mind very 
much in the dark — laboring all day in doubt 
what subjects to discuss on the morrow ; but 
every thing is dim and unpropitious. Oh, thou 
spirit of truth ; enlighten my mind, open to me 
the scriptures ; for without divine assistance I 
cannot preach. 

'' Lord^s-doT/, SOth. — Notwithstanding all my 
fears, I have been able to speak with a good de^ 
gree of freedom. As the afternoon was the time 
for our communion, I preached with reference 
to the sacrament, from 1 Cor. v. 7 ; ' For eveu 
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us ; let us 
therefore keep the feast, &c.' 

*' September ISth. — Have been sick through 
the week, but preached this morning. Br. Brad- 
ley, from Albany, preached in the afternoon, and 
we made a collection for him of between eighty 
and ninety dollars, to aid in purchasing the the- 
atre in that city, for a Baptist meeting-house. 

• ' September 2Sth. — I hope the undertaking in 



BELA JACOBS. 113 

which I have now engaged, may not involve me 
in difficulty. I have undertaken to build a 
house, and without funds ; urged to it by the 
difficulty of obtaining a dwelling-place, and by 
the hope of eventually securing a home for my 
dear family, in case I should be taken from them. 

'' October 19th.— A call from Br. Gano. He 
brings bad news from Rhode-Island, of the 
spread of Arian principles in that region. The 
Lord keep his churches steadfast, for variable is 
man. 

*' October 2lst. — Raised my house. I offered 
up, on the occasion, a prayer to Almighty God 
for his blessing on the undertaking ; that he 
would preserve from danger all employed in it ; 
that he would make it, when finished, a house of 
prayer ; and that he would enable us all to seek 
for mansions in that house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens. 

'^ November 2d. — General and Mrs. Rhodes, 
from Pawtuxet, are with us on a visit. It is 
pleasant to meet old friends, and such old friends. 
I have been busy to-day in doing the honors for 
them. We visited the State-House in Boston, 
the Exchange Coffee-house, &c. ; the State 
Prison in Charlestown ; and in Cambridge, the 
Colleges, Botanical Garden, ^c. 

" November 3d. — IIow soon does all earthly 
good fade away. Our friends have left us, and 
the Exchange, which we yesterday visited in all 
its grandeur, is this evening in ashes. * Sic 
transit gloria mundi.' My soul, fix not thy hopes, 
nor expectations, nor wishes, below the skies! 

^^ November llth* — Preached this evening, for 



114 BELA JACOBS. 

the first time, in Brookline, from Matt. xxii. 4 ; 

* And all things are ready ; come unto the mar- 
riage.' Exhorted sinners with much earnest'! 
ness. Had some conversation with two young ' 
ladies, who give evidence of a work of the Spirit 
on their hearts. Oh, for many such in this 
town. 

^^ November 25th. — This is a day, which, in 
my youthful vanity, I consecrated to sinful, 
pleasures ; but oh, how good has been my heav-p 
enly Father, to bring me from the highway that 
leads to ruin, and to cause me to place my chief 
pleasure in serving him^ imperfectly indeed, but 
cheerfully. 

** Five converts this afternoon related to us 
their views of Christian truth, and will be received 
after they shall have been baptized. This was 
a pleasant sight, and, we hope, the wave-sheaf of 
an abundant harvest. 

** November 29th. — Preached this morning 
from a part of the commission, Matt, xxviis 19 ; 

* Go teach all nations, baptizing them, &/C.' 
After service I immersed six persons. In the 
afternoon addressed the church from Col. ii. 6, 
7; 'As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus 
the Lord, so walk ye in him.' 

*' Lord^S'day, December dth.- — At Lynn on an 
exchange with Br, Farnsworth. A very violent 
rain all day ; addressed twenty in the morning, 
forty in the afternoon, and in the evening had an 
attentive audience of two hundred. My soul 
shall rejoice if any good be done.'' 

Since his visit to Cambridge in April, Mr. Ja- 
cobs had baptized sixteen persons, and preached 



BELA JACOBS. 



115 



in the towns of Cambridge, Boston, Newton, 
Dedham, West-Cambridge, Brookline, Water- 
town, and Lynn ; in all, eighty-one sermons. 

So closes his first year in his new place of 
labor. As his residence in Cambridge was long- 
er than in any former place, so his church here 
had a larger share in his affections than any 
other : he never ceased feeling with and for 
them. And some of his latest prayers in his 
family were filled with strong supplications and 
tears for his beloved flock. 

'^January 3c?, 1819. — How much of ray time 
is gone ! How much have I to redeem! and, 
perhaps, in the decrees of heaven, it is written 
of me, * this year thou shalt die.' Time, (God's 
most sparing gift to man) can tio-iebe redeemed ? 
In one sense it cannot ; a lost moment comes 
not back again to afford us opportunity for using 
it more wisely : some, because they have so much 
leisure, and time hangs heavy on their hands, in- 
vent various ways to make it pass more swiftly ; 
they call this killing time. Ye may kill it, ye 
foolish ones ; but of this one thing be sure — it 
shall rise from the dead, and appear to your con- 
demnation, in the day when time shall be no 
longer ; and eternity, ye cannot kill. 

** Monday, January Ath, — This evening we 
held the monthly concert of prayer for the hea- 
then. Our little vestry was full, and we had a 
solemn meeting. As it was the first meeting of 
the kind in the year, I took occasion to recom- 
mend to the people the importance of doing 
something besides praying, for the conversion of 
the heathen, and the increase of Zion ; and our 
mission-box was passed round not in vain. 



116 BELA JACOBS. 

** Wednesday/, January ^Ith. — Was present at 
the constitutinjr of a new church in Boston, over 
which Mr. Sabine was installed as pastor. Evan- 
gelical principles seem to be gaining ground in 
this region : the Lord's name be praised. 

'* Tuesday Evening, February 2d, — Preached 
for the first time at Brighton, in a private house. 
The place was full to running over, and numbers 
went away who could not get in. 1 preached 
from the sweet invitation of our blessed Redeem- 
er ; * Come unto me, and I will give you rest.' 
Why will not human hearts feel such love as 
that which suffered and died for them ? I felt 
deeply engaged for the salvation of this village, 
who seldom, if ever, hear the gospel. 'T is the 
Spirit of God alone, which can turn any heart to 
Jesus, the only Savior of lost men. 

^^ February 13M. — Heard last evening a fool- 
ish report, that I preached the sermons of others, 
and particularly on my late exchange with Mr. 
Grafton, at West Cambridge. It is now more 
than ten years since I commenced preaching, 
and never, till the last season, did I own a vol- 
ume of sermons ; for the reason that I have nev- 
er been able to purchase many books, and have 
been, therefore, careful to select such as I con- 
ceived to be most useful. I am not much affect- 
ed by this rumor, though it is a disagreeable 
one.'' 

Some years after, Mr. Jacobs was hurt by 
some reports equally unfounded and more un- 
kind, as they arose from some of his own imme- 
diate hearers, asserting his sermons to be prin- 
cipally drawn from the works of Andrew Fuller. 
I need not show the absurdity of such assertions. 



BELA JACOBS. 117 

" February 2\st, — Was too unwell to go out 
this evening to the conference, but enjoyed a 
solemn time in prayer at home for my children. 
As the three little creatures lay asleep, and I 
was watching them, I felt the importance of ded- 
icating them to the Lord, and incessantly im- 
ploring his blessing on them. Oh ! that he who 
condescended to bless little children when on 
earth, would grant his blessing on mine. They 
are his, lent to us for a little while, I hope to re- 
turn to him, after having done and suffered all 
his will on earth. I pray for grace to bring them 
up aright; and so to walk before them in the 
ways of the Lord, that it may be safe for them 
to follow me. 

** February ^Stlu — About seventy-five of us 
commemorated the love of our Redeemer this 
afternoon ; a sweet time. In the evening, 
Br. Chapin,* (who has been for many years a 
pedobaptist, but has lately embraced believer's 
baptism,) preached a very interesting and sol- 
emn discourse, from Luke xvi. 10; ' There is 
joy in the presence of the angels of God over one 
sinner that repenteth.'" 

In June, 1819, Mr. Jacobs made a short visit 
to his friends in Rhode Island. He says of 
Pawtuxet, *^ The whole village appeared to be 
moved at our coming, and, as it was the evening 
for meeting, they came out and filled the meet- 
ing-house, whicli placed me under a kind of 
necessity of talking, though I had so severe a 

* Now President of Columbian College, Washington, 
D.C. 

10 



118 



BELA JACOBS. 



headache as to make it laborious. I find the 
church much as I left them a year ago. They 
have a pastor, a man of God, I trust. May his 
labors be more abundantly blessed to them, than 
were mine. 

** Pawtuxetj Lor d^s Dai/, June 13th. — Preach- 
ed all day to my people here ; and partook with 
them of the Lord's Supper. This season awak- 
ened in my mind the recollections of the joys 
and sorrows of the years that have fled. It is i 
pleasant to me to know that there is still the ] 
same Christian affection subsisting between the 
church and myself, as when I was pastor. Had 
one of our old-fashioned conferences in the 
evening, in which I did all the talking. 

** Providence^ Lord's Day^ June 20th. — The 
violent thunder-storm on Friday did much in- 
jury ; the lightning striking in several places. 
But He who rolls the thunder along, preserved 
us; happy if we can say, ' This awful God is 
ours.' Spent to-day^ not in preaching, but in 
hearing ; a privilege I seldom enjoy. In the 
morning heard Mr. Preston* preach on the fu- 
ture judgment, very excellently. In the after- 
noon turned churchman, and heard Mr. Crock- 
er." 

Mr. Jacobs preached but three times during 
this visit, and returned to Cambridge on the 
24th of June. 

^'Lord's Day, July 4th. — This day is too 
generally devoted to sinful mirth; but. to-day 
we hope our Independence has been celebrated 

* Now of Savannahj Georgia. 



BELA JACOBS. 119 

as it should be, with hearts and voices united in 
the worship of the Giver of our civil, as well as 
our religious blessings. 

*' Lord's Day, July Wth. — Preached at Rox- 
bury, at 6 o'clock. I tried to set before them 
the goodness of the gospel, in a plain discourse, 
from 1 Tim. i.l5. « This is a faithful saying/ ^c. 
There is a prospect of an Evangelical plac€ of 
worship being established here, though there is 
much opposition manifested. The Lord give 
his praying people prosperity." 

The lamented Mr. Ensign Lincoln was a warm 
friend and patron of this infant interest in Rox- 
bury, frequently and repeatedly preaching for 
them without any compensation. But why need 
we mention this } What benevolent object was 
there, which did not find a friend in Mr. Lin- 
coln ? 

'* Lord\s Day, July 25th, — Preached this 
morning on the nature and use of baptism ; after 
which I baptized a man who has been a warm 
advocate of universal salvation, but whom the 
Lord has led to see the indissoluble connection 
between holiness and eternal life. 

** Lord's Day, August \st. — Preached at 
Roxbury, on an exchange with brother Lincoln. 
I felt an intense desire to win souls to my Mas- 
ter. My text, in the afternoon, was from Ps. 
xlix. 8. ' The redemption of the soul is precious.' 
Preached at home in the evening, on the au- 
thenticity and inspiration of the Scriptures. 

** Lord's Day, Augwf.t 8th. Young brother 
Leverett,* a licensed preacher, was with, and 

* Now pastor of the church at Roxbury. 



120 BELA JACOBS. 

assisted me to-day. Continued my lectures 
on the Inspiration of the Scriptures. The 
weather very bad, but a large number out. Oh, 
that the Lord would make his own word, by 
whomsoever delivered, effectual to the pulling 
down of error's strong holds in this place. 

*' August 29th.— Our Heavenly Father is still 
giving us some souls, who, we trust, will share 
in the joys of heaven. Three were to have been 
received to-day; but the weather and tide being 
unfavorable, the baptism was postponed. I did 
not go out in the evening, as I was thoroughly 
fatigued. I rejoice that I am so happy as to 
have brethren who can carry on a conference 
without me. 

" September 5th, — A good day. Oh ! that my 
dear people may be eternally benefited by the 
Sabbaths and sermons God gives them. In the 
afternoon, I preached from Psa. cvii. 12. * What 
shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits 
towards me.' We then made a collection for 
the purpose of aiding pious young men to obtain 
an education, preparatory to entering the minis- 
try ; collected a hundred dollars. I preached in 
the evening, on the attributes of God, from Ex. 
xxxiv. 67. 

''September 11th, 1819.— Heard to-day of the 
death of a neighboring minister, Rev. Mr. Hun- 
tington, of Boston. He died in the prime of 
life, and is a great loss to his people, and to 
this region ; a loss to be specially deplored, as 
he was truly evangelical, and of such as are the 
salt of our churches. May God grant that his 
successor be like him, nor suffer any true light 
to be extinguished in this region. 



I 



BELA JACOBS. 121 

^^ October \7th, — With considerable difficulty 
I preached twice to-day : my asthma troubles 
me much this fall. Last Sunday I was quite ill. 
The Sunday previous, however, I preached three 
times, baptized four persons, and attended a fu- 
neral. It seems to me, I could be far more ac- 
tive in my Master's service, were I free from 
this disease ; but it is all right, and I have 
abundant reason to be thankful that I can preach 
at all ; and especially that it has pleased the 
Lord, in some measure, to bless my feeble ef- 
forts. 

'* October Slst. — Received six individuals to 
our communion. Thus the Lord is increasing 
this little flock, with such as we hope to be eter- 
nally saved. Forty have been added since I 
have been here. May the Father of all mercies 
continue to do us good. 

''November 7th, — * Let no man deceive him- 
self,' was my text this afternoon ; a solemn sub- 
ject, and I felt it. Went to Boston in the even- 
ing, to assist in the ordaining our young brother 
Henry J. Ripley.^ Dr. Baldwin preached before 
the Foreign Missionary Society, from these 
words ; ' This gospel must be preached in all the 
world.' After which this young man was set 
apart for the service of the Most High ; a priest 
and teacher in the temple of the Lord Jesus. 

*' Wednesday^ November lOM. — Minister's 
meeting at Framingham. I preached from Phil, 
ii. 16. * Holding forth the word of life.' I re- 
ceived the friendly criticisms of my brethren on 

♦Now Professor at the Newton Theol. Institution. 
10* 



122 BELA JACOBS. 

my perform an ce, and hope they may be of use 
to me. The interview was pleasant, and har- 
monious. May we all feel incited to more dili- 
gence in our great work. 

^^ November 2\st. — Sick all the week with 
asthma ; but was so much better this morning, 
as to attempt three services ; and I have reason 
to bless the Lord, that I was able to perform 
them with ease. Subject this evening, the 
Trinity. 

** November 2Sth. — The asthma returned again 
in the former part of the week, and confined me 
to the house till this morning. The duties of 
the day being many, and my health so bad, I 
trembled at the prospect. At nine o'clock, I 
baptized one man. Expounded a short psalm 
in the morning, and in the afternoon preached 
from Luke xv. 2. * This man receiveth sinners,' 
I then administered the other ordinance, and at 
six o'clock, rode to Old Cambridge, and married 
a couple. Thus have the duties of the day been 
many and various ; but if any good, spiritual or 
temporal, has been done, it is enough to make 
every fatigue light, 

'^December 12th. — Brother Barnaby, from New 
Bedford, preached for me this afternoon, from I 
Psa- cxxi. 5. ' The Lord is thy keeper.' We | 
then made a collection of about forty dollars, to 
aid his church in obtaining a house of worship. . 
What a sweet text is this, * Thou God, seest J 
me.' If we suffer under affliction of body or 
mind, the Lord knoweth all we feel. If our 
friends look coldly on us, and our enemies re- 
proach, behold now our witness is in thee; 



4 



B£LA JACOBS. 123 

whatever be our trouble, God sees us ; our best 
friend beholds it, and knows, though we do not, 
how it will end. But if we fear and love not 
this omniscient God, if we think not of Him, 
still he sees us. * The eyes of the Lord are in 
every place, beholding the evil and the good.' 

" * If there be therefore, any consolation in 
Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship 
of the spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye 
J^y joy 5 that ye be like-minded, having the 
same love, being of one accord, and of one 
mind.' Most pathetic adjurations ! breathing 
at once the spirit of the gospel, and showing us 
its influence on the mind of the writer. It is as 
if he had said, ' By all the consoling and anima- 
ting motives derived from the character and 
work of the Savior, from your own deliverance 
from the bondage of corruption, from the love 
of Christ, and communion with him, from the 
fellowship of the sanctifying Spirit, from the fa- 
vor of God, and the hope of heaven ; by all the 
sweet comforts arising from the very exercise of 
love, I beseech and exhort you.' If these con- 
siderations will not induce the people of God to 
live as brethren, then may we well despair of 
ever seeing Christian affection on the earth. 
But they will — the love of Christ will constrain 
them. 

** When God created the world, he brought 
beings into existence by the word of his power. 
So Jesus has assured us, that the dead in tres- 
passes and sins shall hear his voice, and they 
that hear shall live. In the new creation he 
speaks, and it is done ; he commands, and it 



124 BELA JACOBS. 

Stands fast. He, who, in the days of his flesh, 
could say to the sleeping dead, * Come forth,' and 
be obeyed, can, with the like ease, with the same 
controlling power, speak to the dead sinner, and 
cause him to leap into life. 

*^ It is one of the most distinguishing excellen- 
cies of the Bible, as compared with other books, 
that, while it contains enough to task the highest 
intellect, it is also level to the meanest capacity. 
1 do not mean that every thing in the Scriptures 
can be perfectly comprehended by us. It would 
have been strange, if in a revelation from hea- 
ven, there had been nothing beyond the grasp of 
finite minds. The work of grace, like all the 
other works of God, has its mysteries ; and in 
this, as in all the productions of his infinite skill 
and wonderful power, we contemplate * the deep 
things of God.' The work of redemption has a 
length, and breadth, and height, and depth im- 
measurable; so in the scriptures, the revelation 
of that wondrous work to man, are some things 
greatly mysterious, and hard to be understood. 

** Though a preacher be wiser than Gamaliel, 
though he should possess all the learning of all 
the schools, he must lay it all at the foot of the 
cross. And when he ascends the desk, to deal 
with souls for eternity, his ambition is to know 
nothing among the people, save Jesus Christ, 
and him crucified. Jesus Christ, the divinely 
perfect, the infinitely full ; Jesus, the atoning Sa- 
vior, the Lamb of God, taking away the sin of 
the world ; Jesus, formed in the heart, the only 
hope of glory ; Jesus, the intercessor for his peo- 
ple ; Jesus, the pattern for all his saints — this is 



BELA JACOBS. 125 

the preacher's theme. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, the 
burden of his song, the name to be in every ser- 
mon and in every prayer, the one name above 
all others. Now that mode of preaching which 
says nothing of the need of the Savior, and points 
not to the fountain of his blood as necessary to 
be applied to the soul, however rich it may be 
with human science, however highly adorned 
with the accomplishments of eloquence, is nev- 
ertheless another gospel, and not an exhibition 
of the word of life. 

" ' Holding forth the word of life.' Allusion 
is here made, says one, to the buildings we call 
light-houses, in which a bright light is kept by 
night to aid vessels approaching the shore. What 
a beautiful figure ; Christians ! ye are the light- 
houses of the world, prepared and fitted up by 
grace to hold forth the word of life. See ye to 
it, that your lights are kept bright, lest, when 
souls make shipwreck, they are lost indeed, but 
their ruin be found at your door.'' 



CHAPTER VII. 



EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL JOURNEY TO NEW 

HAMPSHIRE DISTRESS ON ACCOUNT OF SICK- 
NESS REMARKS ON RELIGIOUS SUBJECTS. 



" January Ist^ 1820. — I am spared to com- 
mence a new year. Oh ! my soul, look back on 
the past year, and see how much of thy time has 
run to waste ; how much time thou hast to re- 
deem, and perhaps this year may be thy last. I 
think I have felt a satisfaction in looking unto 
the Lord for his blessing on this year; and es- 
pecially on my ministerial labors here. Let me 
not have occasion to say at its close, * I have la- 
bored in vain, I have spent my strength for 
nought,' but let me labor, whether blest or not, 
to serve my God, and save the souls of men. 

^^ January 1th, 1820. — This day I buried one 
of my congregation. May I have the satisfac- 
tion in the death of all who depart, which I had 
in her's ; and may I be faithful to the living, 
that they may not, by my influence, neglect the 
concerns of their souls. 

*^ This young woman had been sick for several 
months, and hopefully experienced religion in 
her last sickness. Her departure was truly tri- 



I 



BELA JACOBS. 



127 



umphant; for weeks she had not spoken except 
in a whisper, and for several days had not artic- 
ulated at all ; but about six hours before she 
died, her bodily strength revived, so that she 
spoke aloud, saying, ' Oh, what a Savior ! I am 
more happy now in the agonies of death, than I 
ever was in my life and health.' Truly, 

' Her tonojue broke out in unknown strains^ 
And sang surprising grace.' 

*' January 28th. — I have just heard of the 
melancholy death of our Br. Wheelock, mission- 
ary to Burmah. Melancholy, I say, that is, as 
to the manner, particularly ,^ while in a state of 
mental derangement, he leaped overboard, and 
was drowned. As ive say, the mission has sus* 
tained a loss, and his friends must feel deeply 
distressed ; but why talk we of loss ? the Judge 
of all the earth will do right. This should re- 
mind us all that * the way of man is not in him* 
self,' and in a moment, in the twinkling of an 
eye, the life may be lost, or the reason be taken 
away. Let me, then, use my reason while I 
have it, to the glory of God, and in the service 
of Christ. 

'' Februarij ^th.—My birth-day; thirty-four 
years I have been spared, a monument of Jeho- 
vah's mercy ; and when I look back on the years 
that have rolled away, how empty do they ap- 
pear. ' What have I done for Him, who died to 
save my wretched soul.' I have been a preacher 
almost twelve years ; but I fear I have, in many 
instances, dishonored God, and slept upon my 
post. How many who have sat under my min- 



128 BELA JACOBS. 

istry, have gone into the eternal world ! Are 
my garments pure? this is a solemn inquiry. 
My God, forgive my follies past, and my failures in 
duty, heal my backslidings, cleanse in the blood 
of Jesus my holiest performances, and keep me 
near thyself. Let me devote myself more and 
more to the work of my Master, and use what 
time still remains to me, more profitably than I 
have done the irreclaimable past. Bless my la- 
bors to the dear people of my charge ; and may 
many, through my instrumentality, be brought 
to the knowledge of the truth. 

** Br. Davis, of South Reading, spent the day 
with me. He brings good news from that place 
with regard to the attention given to relig-ious 
subjects. Thirty have recently entertained a 
hope of salvation through the merits of the Sa- 
vior. 

^^ Lord's-day, February 13^A.— Breathed so 
badly this morning, that I was not able to go out. 
Did not mind the suffering so much as the 
thought of my people assembling to hear me, and 
being disappointed. I always feel like a crimi- 
nal, when I am confined on a Lord's-day. 

*' My brethren succeeded in obtaining Br. 
Collier to preach, which was some relief. I 
have been much troubled this winter with my 
complaint. I sometimes fear that it will increase 
on me, till it becomes a continual asthma, and 
lays me aside from preaching. I am very much 
unreconciled to such a useless lot. Oh Lord, 
reconcile me to thy wise, thy ever kind will. 

** February 22d — I have just heard of the 
death of Br. Winchell, of Boston. He died this 



BELA JACOBS. 129 

morning. How heavy this stroke to the church, 
which is thus deprived of a pastor. The whole 
denomination, yea, the world have sustained a 
loss ; for he was a burning and a shining light. 
And then his dear family, the bereft wife and 
little babes ; theirs is a loss indeed. May the 
God of grace and mercy comfort them ; and let 
me lay this providence to heart, let me reflect 
that I, too, am hasting to my eternal home, and 
work hard all the day, in view of the night com- 
ing on so rapidly and surely, in which no man 
can work. 

** February 2Qth. — This has been a solemn 
day : the remains of the excellent Winchell were 
carried to the grave, amid many tears: and much 
lamentation. A young man of great promise is 
thus cut off in the morning of his days ; he num- 
bered but twenty-eight years. How dark, how 
inscrutable are the ways of our God! But let 
us never forget it is all bright around his throne, 
and what we know not now, we shall know here- 
after. Dr. Baldwin preached at the funeral, 
from the very appropriate text, * He was a bright 
and shining light.* I hope that this event may 
make a lasting impression on many hearts. 

** February 26fA. — Dr. Gano, that good man, 
and father in the ministry, dined and spent the 
afternoon with me. He brought good news of a 
revival with them. I have felt grieved for some 
time at the spread of Arianism in Rhode Island, 
but let only the Spirit of God touch the hearts of 
saints and sinners, and all isms are forgotten ; 
and the glory of God, and the good of souls, and 
the love of the Savior are promoted. Truly, 
11 



130 



BELA JACOBS. 



there is nothing like an influence from above to 
make men right, and keep them so. 

''February 28th. — Another of my hearers 
gone ; another call to me, to all, to be ready to 
follow. Another token to remind us that our 
accounts must shortly be given up to the great 
Judge of all. May I pursue my work with re- 
newed diligence for every such event. Though 
those who have died are beyond the reach of my 
influence, may I warn the living in such a man- 
ner that their blood may not be required at my 
hands. Help, Lord, for I am weak and frail. 
Oh, save me, and those that hear me. 

" Lord' S'day ^ April 2d. — One of my nephews 
with me on a visit ; his poor mother has lost 
two sons within a few months; both just grown 
up to manhood ; both died at sea. The Lord 
support my sister, and bless these sore afflictions 

to her and to her children. T brings the 

good tidings of a blessed revival of religion in 
Newport. Indeed the Lord is pouring out his 
Spirit on very many towns in that state, and 
bringing many stout hearts to bow to his sceptre. 
A wonderful day is this. Never, perhaps, since 
the time of the apostles, was there so much effort 
made for the advancement of the cause of reli- 
gion, pure and undefiled, and never was there 
greater success at home and abroad." 

In the spring of this year, 1820, Mr. Jacobs 
made a journey to New-Hampshire, for the pur- 
pose of having medical advice from Dr. Skilton, 
a physician somewhat celebrated as having cured 
several individuals of asthma. This journey was 
not, on the whole, of benefit to him ; and, in- 



BELA JACOBS. 131 

deed, lie seems not to have been very sanguine, 
with regard to its results. 

He says, — 

*' I think it my duty to use all possible means 
of obtaining a cure, that I may be better able 
to serve the church and cause of Christ. 

*' We reached this place, Pelham, about sun- 
set, and I had this evening, a conference with 
the Doctor. He gives me but little encourage- 
ment. May I evermore look to the great Phy- 
sician, in every disease, spiritual, and bodily." 

Mr. Jacobs was accompanied on this journey 
by Mrs. Jacobs, and by his friend Mr. Farwell, 
of Cambridge. 

" Felham, N. H. Jlpril 2Gth. — This morning 
had another consultation with the Dr. and con- 
cluded to put myself under his care. Brother 
Farwell took leave of us at ten o'clock, and re- 
turned to C . I commenced the course pre- 
scribed immediately, and have been growing 
worse all day. I thought very much of home, 
and my people, but desire to resign myself, and 
all I have, into the hands of the Lord." 

The next day he records as *' a very bad day, 
with only a few intervals of easy breathing." 

** Evening, Jipril21th. — My brethren are now 
assembled for prayer. May the gracious pres- 
ence of God make it a meeting not in vain. 

'^ April 28th, — My asthma still distressing; 
nothing subdues the paroxysm. I feel quite 
worn down by laboring so hard for breath, and 
by sitting in one place for three nights. Oh ! 
for patience and resignation. My mercies, too, 
are great. Let not my repining heart dwell only 
on the dark side, and overlook the bright. 



132 BELA JACOBS. 

" Lord^s-day, 30/A. — Not able to attend pub- 
lic worship. This is very unpleasant, but I do 
not fee! as I should if a congregation were de- 
pending on my services. My own dear flock, I 
trust, are supplied with the word of life. May 
the great Shepherd feed them and guide them in 
all their way. 

*' Cambridge, May '^Xst. — Have preached to- 
day for the first time in a month, having been 
very sick since my return. I am still very fee- 
ble, but able, once more, to proclaim the good 
news of sins forgiven, through the Savior's blood. 
May the Lord bless what has been done in such 
weakness, and oh ! in such unworthiness. We 
made a handsome collection for missionary pur- 
poses, after I had preached a missionary sermon, 
from Rom. x. 13. * Whosoever shall call on the 
name of the Lord, shall be saved.' 

" August nth. — Have been unable to preach 
for two Sabbaths. Brother Sharp preached for 
me last Lord's Day in the morning, and in the 
evening, brother Rice ; and we made a collection 
for the Foreign Mission. To-day I have set 
apart as a day of humiliation and prayer, in 
which I may seek unto the Lord for one thing 
particularly ; if peradventure it may please him 
to remove the thorn in my side, the asthma. I 
may have been too much like Asa, king of Ju- 
dah, who, when diseased, sought unto the physi- 
cians, and not unto God. I read the fifth of 
James, especially from the seventh verse, and 
tried to commend my case unto the Lord. I 
also read and meditated on the account of the 
sickness and recovery of Hezekiah ; but alas ! I 



BELA JACOBS. 133 

cannot say as he did in his prayer to God, 'Re- 
member how I have walked before thee in truth, 
and with a perfect heart.' Oh no ! I must plead 
the mercy of God, for the dear sake of Jesus. 
My own heart condemns me, and my life is ail 
polluted with sin. But there is forgiveness with 
him, and I, even I, dare draw nigh his mercy- 
seat. How cheering was the word to Hezeki- 
ah, ' I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy 
tears, behold /will heal them.' 

^^Noon.—l have been meditating on my past 
life. I have called to mind the sins and follies 
of my youth, and the iniquities of my riper years, 
a black catalogue ; and I have also received the 
special mercies w^hich my Heavenly Father has 
granted me at particular seasons. Remember- 
ing the wormwood and the gall of the one, and 
the joys of the other, I feel how great reason I 
have for humility and gratitude. 

** Evening, — 1 read this afternoon a part of 
the memoirs of S. Pearce, and as usual with 
great pleasure. Read also several portions of 
the Blessed Book, and again commended my 
case to God. And I think I can say at this close 
of the day, ' it has been good to wait on the 
Lord.' 

Friday, August \Stli. — Had a severe attack 
of asthma last night, and after the fit subsided, 
I enjoyed one of the sweetest seasons in medita- 
tions that I ever experienced. If I may but en- 
joy the presence of the Redeemer, even afflic- 
tions will cease to seem such. 

' May I but hear my Savior say, 
Grace shall be equal to thy day, 
11# 



134 EELA JACOBS. 

Glad I'll rejoice in deep distress, 
Leaning on all-sufficient grace.' 

** September 3d. — Not well, but preached all 
day, in the morning from Heb. xii. 28. In the 
afternoon, a charity sermon for the Education 
society, from Col. iii. 23. * And whatsoever ye 
do, do it heartily as unto the Lord.' Our col- 
lection amounted to seventy-five dollars. 

** December llth. — Heard this evening, Mr. 
Ward, a missionary from Serampore, India. 
His discourse was excellent, and filled w^ith the 
unction of ^the gospel. He is soliciting dona- 
tions for a college at Serampore, for the instruc-' 
tion of native converts. 

*' December 2Sth. — Brother Ward preached a 
lecture this evening at our place ; and we made 
a collection for the college at Serampore, of a 
little more than eighty dollars." 

Mr. Jacobs has left no regular diary for the 
year 1821 I find, by recurring to his text-book, 
that he preached in that year eighty-six sermons, 
and his baptism book makes mention of five in- 
dividuals, who became members of his church. 
A few extracts from his other papers will now 
be given. 

*' How spacious, how vast is that better coun- 
try, the country of saints, of angels, and of God 
himself. The boundaries of that country are 
no other than the limits of God's universe. AVe 
are here, on the earth, confined to a small plan- 
et, the footstool only of the Maker. There, in 
the unlimited range of the free spirit, what is to 
check its progress 1 can universal space be ever 



BELA JACOBS. 135 

wholly passed over ? will there not be always 
something beyond ? There is one limit, one 
bound placed, but no holy being will desire to 
go over the ' great gulf fixed.' As Abraham 
lifted up his eyes and looked eastward and west- 
ward, northward and southward, and called the 
country all his own, so shall the just man made 
perfect, lift up his eyes on the heavenly hills, 
and survey the extensive regions of paradise — 
and all that better country is his. Oh ! sinner, 
why will you not believe the gospel word * there 
yet is room in heaven,' room in this better coun- 
try — but, alas ! no room for Jesus in your crowd- 
ed heart.'' 

'* 1 believe that, never, till we get to heaven, 
shall we realise fully what that means ; ' Behold 
how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to 
dwell together in unity.' There are here among 
the best of men, so many strifes, contentions and 
jealousies, that I sigh more and more for the 
heaven of peace." 

*' No wonder the apostle says, * Our conver- 
sation is in heaven,' the meaning being, our 
citizenship. Christians are natives of heaven; 
the certificates of their birth are recorded there, 
in the Lamb's fair book of life ; their estates are 
all there ; there ttie treasures to which they are 
heirs, and there is a large share of their aifec- 
tions ; they think of heaven as home. There, 
too, are many of our friends, * not lost, but gone 
before.'" 

" I am very partial to Paul's letters to Timo- 
thy. In all the epistles, Paul maintains the dig- 
nity of his office^ and the glory of his Master. 



136 BELA JACOBS. 

We see the sound reasoning, the wise judging, 
the lively imagination of the writer in them all. 
And in all, are very apparent, the piety and ar- 
dor which belonged to Paul. But in his epistles 
to Timothy, he pours out all his heart. What 
gratitude he shows for the grace conferred upon 
this young man in calling him to the knowledge 
of the truth, and in sending him into the minis- 
try ! What anxiety for his steadfastness in the 
faith, and for his progress in the divine life. 
What warm solicitude for his happiness, and 
future usefulness in the church of God. And, 
himself just ready to depart from this w^orld of 
sorrows, to everlasting bliss, with the fair heaven 
just in sight, he leaves to this beloved son, his 
legacy of stripes, and bonds, and imprison- 
ments." 

'' Had God left it to the free choice of sinful 
mortals, the mansions of heaven would have been 
destitute of inhabitants. The Lord himself has 
shown us what would be the success of the gos- 
pel, if unattended with divine power. How 
many of the invited guests came to the king's 
feast ? They all with one consent made excus- 
es. No ! they must be compelled xo come in. I 
appeal to you who have heard me, how often 
have I entreated, invited, prayed you, with 
tears, to turn to the Lord ? have you complied 1 
if not, what under heaven prevents but your own 
choice ? " 

'* We are all ready to acknowledge that God 
is good ; and while we are enjoying his tender 
care in what we call prosperity, we confess, 
with some gratitude perhaps, that he is a kind 



BELA JACOBS. 137 

parent to his earthly children. But do we find 
it difficult to feel this, when he appears to mow 
our comforts down ? Let us learn that the Lord 
is the same, is good evermore/' 

** When Lot enjoyed prosperity in the well- 
watered plain of Sodom, and saw his flocks and 
herds increase, we can suppose that he felt the 
Lord was good. But when Lot flees from the 
destruction of that devoted city, and loses, in the 
overthrow, his wife, and daughters, and wealth, 
and, stript of all his earthly goods, takes refuge 
in a solitary cave, what are his feelings then 1 
Is the Lord still good ? Yes ; ' tis thus he weans 
his heart from mortal things, and tears away his 
idols, that he may trust in God. When Jacob 
recrossed the Jordan, his heart beat high in 
gratitude to God. We admire the piety of the 
man who exclaims, * With my stafl' I passed this 
Jordan, and now I am become two bands/ But 
when the famine wastes his substance, and his 
youngest son must go to Egypt, that the ruler 
there may sell them food, he shows the weakness 
of his faith, and his want of trust in God : we 
feel pained while he breathes out the sad com- 
plaint, * Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and 
ye will take Benjamin away ; all these things are 
against me.' No, Jacob, all these things arejTor 
you. Let every Christian read over his own 
heart and life, and, while he counts the long 
train of Ebenezers reared, say how oft have the 
dark lowering clouds of Jehovah's providence 
dissolved in gentle and refreshing showers." 

*' The idea too often conveyed that the Eter- 
nal Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 



138 



BELA JACOBS. 



is an implacable and vindictive being, while the 
Son is all merciful and compassionate, and that 
the sufferings and death of the Son were neces- 
sary to appease the vengeful temper of the Holy- 
God^ is a most shocking one ; most degrading 
to divinity, and most injurious in its consequen-, 
ces. No, the Father is compassionate, as is the! 
the Son ; and the Son as inflexibly just as the" 
Father ; for they are one. The Scriptures tell 
us ^ God,' not Jesus Christ as the Savior, but 
' God is love.' And we learn in the same vol- 
ume, that Christ is to be the Judge of all at 
last. Nor was the atonement designed to de- 
tract one jot or one tittle from the requirements 
of the divine law. The law, requiring as it does, 
perfect, unfailing obedience, and denouncing 
curses for every sin, has been represented as 
rigid, and severe ; and it being therefore, im- 
possible for men to obey it, Jesus, pitying their 
hard case, took their part against this rigid law, 
and bore its penalties, in order that they might 
be released from the obligations imposed by it, 
to perfect, unremitting holiness. Oh ! how re- 
pugnant such a doctrine is to correct views of 
the divine perfections. It sets up parties in 
heaven ; then would the Son rise up against the 
Father ; it clashes with every essential senti- 
ment of religion.'' 

'* Do we not sometimes lay too little stress on 
the obedience of Christ, as a means of our sal- 
vation ? As surety for his people, he engaged 
to fulfil all the righteousness of the law. To do 
this, it was as necessary that he should obey, as 
that he should suffer. The Savior lived for sin« 



BELA JACOBS* 139 

ners, as well as died for them. His teachings, 
his example, were all ours. But I believe also^ 
most fully, the words of Paul^ ' we have redemp- 
tion through his blood.' And with the poet^ 

' The ransom was paid down— 

The fund of heaven, 

Poured forth the price, 

All price beyond ' 

'^ If we for a little while consider the infinite 
holiness of the Being, whose perfect law man 
had wantonly violated, if we from this point take 
a view of the incalculable evil of one sin, if we 
multiply this one sin by the many each individ- 
ual since Adam has committed, and this by the 
millions of beings who have sinnedj if now 
we consider the weight of guilt and suffering to 
be borne, we may have some faint idea of the 
love and the woes of our blessed Redeemer. 
We shall feel, too, that nor man, nor angels could 
have done all this ; none but Immanuel, God 
with us, that is, in our nature." 

Mr. Jacobs suffered greatly from asthma dur- 
ing the years 1822 and 1823 ; so much, indeed, 
as frequently to be unable to preach for seve- 
ral Sabbaths in succession. After giving a few 
extracts from those of his papers, which are dat- 
ed 1822, we will resume the diary. 

*^ What a forcible illustration of the duties of 
a Christian minister is afforded by the compar- 
ing him to a watchman. He must never fall 
asleep on his post ; night and day he must be 
on the look-out ; he is never to be lulled by ap- 
parent prosperity, nor to be weary in the dark- 



140 BELA JACOBS. 

est night of adversity. It is not enough that he 
should occasionally cast a glnnce without, to see 
if the enemy be at hand, and within, to discover 
whether there be no treachery in the garrison ; 
he must be ever on his guard. The sentinel 
has great responsibility ; he is to warn the peo- 
ple of every approaching danger ; if he desert 
his post but for one moment, the consequences 
may be most disastrous. Hence it is, that mil- 
itary laws have adjudged the sleeping or faith- 
less sentinel to death. So too the minister of 
the gospel is laid under the most dreadful pen- 
alties if he fail in his duty, * If the watchman 
see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, 
and the people bo not warned ; if the sword 
come, and take away any person from among 
them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his 
blood will I require at the watchman's hand.' 
Ezekiel xxxiii.*' 

*' How strangely the lives of Christians are 
at variance with the words of scripture. The 
wise man tells us, ' wisdom (or religion) is the 
principal thing;' the world says, ' religion is the 
least thing,' and the conduct of many professors, 
cries Amen ! A pious poet has told us, * reli- 
gion's all ;' an impious world asserts that reli- 
gion is nothing, and the church does not, (ex- 
cept in word) contradict the assertion." 

** Their works do follow them, follow, not go 
before ; their righteousness extendeth not to God. 
Christ's righteousness has gone before and pre- 
pared the way of access to the place where his 
saints shall * rest from their labors,' their works 
do follow." 



BELA JACOBS. 141 

" I think the words of Paul, ' If any man love 
not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him (or he shall) 
be Anathema maranatha,' are of themselves a 
strong assertion of the writer's belief in the di- 
vinity of our Savior. A man is to * be cursed 
with the most bitter curse ' for what 1 for blas- 
phemy ? or hatred ? or contempt ? no ; for want 
of love — towards whom? would neglect of lov- 
ing man or angel call down this direful denun- 
ciation ? Nay, verily, but whoso loves not the 
man Christ Jesus, plainly breaks the first and 
great commandment, * Thou shalt love the Lord 
thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy 
mind.' 

' His worth if all the nations knew, 

Sure the whole earlh would love him too-' " 

'* The disciples, though they had been so long 
taught by their Master, seem never to have un- 
derstood him, when he repeatedly assured them 
that he must suffer, and be put to death. Hence, 
when he was apprehended and slain, their faith 
was shaken, and the overthrow of their hopes 
was like the giving up of the ghost. Sorrow 
and despair overwhelmed them. His lifeless 
body was laid in the new tomb, hewn out of the 
rock, and the enemies of the Lord exulted that 
they had triumphed over the reprover of their 
crimes. * Twice had the sun gone down upon the 
earth, and all was silent at the sepulchre ; the 
powers of darkness seemed victorious, and dark- 
ness like that which shrouded the material world, 
hung over the minds of the followers of the 
Lamb.' We can read their feelings from the 



142 BELA JACOBS, 

expressions used by the two wIto travelled to 
Emmaus. * We trusted it had been he, who 
would have redeemed Israel.' We trusted^ ah 
now our trust is fled — our only support is vio- 
lently torn from us, and we — what have we left!" 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE YEAR 1823 EXTRACTS FROM JOURNALS- 
SIX MONTHS ILLNESS. 



''February 9th, 1823.— Lord's-day ; my birth 
day. Thirty-seven jears have I passed in this 
world of sin and of sorrow, this world of proba- 
tion, this beginning of an existence which will 
never end. Yet of this time so important, how 
much has been wasted, worse than lost ? True, 
I have for more than half my life been a profess- 
or of religion ; and, as I still most humbly hope, 
a religious man ; through grace I have been 
kept from any out-breaking sins that would bring 
a reproach upon the religion of Christ. But 
how much less have I done than I might, for 
God ! how much more for the world ! And, 
though I have been now fifteen years preaching 
repentance for sin, and faith in the Lord Jesus 
Christ, my efforts have been but feeble, and my 
success small. Dr. Gano spent the day with 
me, and preached twice ; I preached in the after-^ 
noon, with a great deal of enjoyment to myself, 
from John iv. 10 ; 'If thou hadst known the gift 
^f God, &.C.' 



144 BELA JACOBS. 

'' February 15th. — Have been unable to visit 
my flock as I would like to have done, on ac- 
count of ill health; have, however, been able to 
call on fifty fnmilies since the commencement of 
the year. May 1 strive to carry the religion of 
the Savior wheiever I go; like him humble, apt 
to teach, kind, anxious to do good, desirous to 
do my Father's will — all his will. 

** Lord^ s-day , February \Qth. — How refresh- 
ing and pleasant would be a night's rest, could I 
lay my wearied body down, and sleep like oth- 
ers. But I have to sit in my chair, (it is called 
an easy chair,) night after night, and week after 
week As, then, my poor body has but little 
rest, may I attend to the more important part, 
the soul's repose. In Jesus the spirit can find 
peace ; and let me go on in the work of the 
Lord, till spent in his service; remembering, 
* there is rest in heaven.' 

*' February ISth. — Read the memoirs of the 
missionary JVIartyn. Surely he was a man of 
God. How does such devoted zeal put my cold 
heart to shame, and my little exertion to the 
blush. 

*' February \9th. — Heard this morning of the 
death of one of my congregation, who did not 
leave behind a satisfactory evidence that she 
was a sincere believer. I feel bitterly to reproach 
myself that I have not visited her this week. I 
might have gone on Monday, but did not, on ac- 
count of indisposition ; and now the opportunity 
is lost forever. What a loud warning to do now, 
even amidst some inconvenience, whatever I can 
do, lest it be by and by too late. 



BELA JACOBS. 145 

*' February ^Oth. — Br. E., and some other 
friends were with us. If the society of Christian 
friends is so pleasant in this world, what will 
heaven be, where all is holy ? 

''February 21sf. — Visited dear Br. G , of 

W- ; my heart bleeds for him. He has 

toiled there for many years, and still all is dark 
and discouraging, and now he thinks he must 
quit the ground. If he does, there is every rea- 
son to fear that the little church in that place 
must become extinct. Oh, if I could put a 
proper spirit into the able members of churches, 
they would not suffer the feeble hands to fail, 
and the little flocks to be devoured. 

*' Lord'S'day^ 2Sd, — This has, on the whole, 
been a comfortable day, though I went with fear 
and trembling, in consequence of weakness of 
body, and darkness of mind. I had worn out 
the long night previous, rather than passed it ; 
and I feared I could not speak at all. But, as 
hundreds of times before, so now, my heavenly 
Father was better to me than I deserved, or 
dared to hope. Mr. Sabine preached for me in 
the evening. 

*' March 2d. — I have been sick with asthma 
for several days past, and, consequently, felt very 
inadequate to the work of the pulpit. Had an 
exchange with Br. Sharp, which was rather 
harder than preaching at home. 

** The Universalists are making great efforts 
to subdue this place. Oh, thou God of truth, 
suffer not this people to be deceived, but fill 
jthis place with the glory of truth, believed and 
obeyed. Thou, alone, canst awaken sinners to 
12* 



146 BELA JACOBS. 

perceive their danger, and cause them to flee 
for refuge to the only hope set before them. 

** March Stfi, — For several days have been 
walking in a cloud of thick darkness, feeling as 
if God were afar off, rather than at hand. 

*' March 10th. — Did not go out yesterday. 
Brethren Lincoln and Alger preached for me. 
I had entertained the hope that I was mastering 
the asthma ; but I think now, that easy breathing 
is not to be my portion in this life. Well, let 
me rejoice, that, through the abounding mercy 
of God, I have a firm hope of breathing at last 
the air of that country whose inhabitants never 
say they are sick ; * the Lord's my portion, saith 
my soul.' Several of my brethren met at my 
house as a committee, to form a church library. 
I hope before I die to see a useful library be- 
longing to our church. I know nothing more 
likely to be beneficial, than a good collection of 
books, well read. I can leave my church no 
other legacy than the good I may be the means 
of influencing them to do and gain. 

^^ March I6th, — I think there are some symp- 
toms of an awakened state of religious feeling 
among my people. The Lord grant that it may 
increase. The prayer-meeting this morning at 
the vestry was, I understand, better attended 
than it has been for more than a year ; this is a 
favorable sign. Prayer-meetings afford a better 
thermometer of the tone of religious feeling, than 
attendance on preaching. Chose for this after- 
noon that text so full of comfort, ' Behold the 
Lamb of God.' This evening had a large at- 
tendance, and some were present who are trying 



BELA JACOBS. 147 

to rest on the scheme of universal salvation. If 
the lovers of truth were as zealous in declaring 
their sentiments, as are the lovers of error, and 
above all, if the professedly pious did but live ac- 
cording to their profession, I think sinners would 
be shaken from their false ways, and induced to 
believe in Jesus. 

*' March llth. — Spent the day in visiting 
some of my congregation who are sick. One of 
our members just on the threshold of heaven ; 
already seems to partake of the enjoyments of 
that holy state. Another I saw, very sick, but 
deplorably unconcerned, seeing no need of a 
Savior's aid, and having no hope but an indefi- 
nite one, that he shall somehow be saved through 
the mercy of God. Oh, how my soul felt for 
him, while I conversed and prayed with him. 

'* March ISth, — Sick. I feel more unrecon- 
ciled to being laid aside from my employment, 
than formerly. I see so much that needs to be 
done, and feel that I could accomplish so much 
more of it, if I could breathe as well as most 
men. My God, give me patience to suffer, as 
well as desire to do thy will. This evening, one 
of our members departed this life. This is the 
first of our members since the constitution of 
the church ; a period of five years. May all of 
us improve^^this monitory call. She died in the 
triumphs of faith, and the blessed hopes of 
heaven. 

** March 25fh, — Visiting all day. Have heard 

that — — and have entertained hopes. 

God grant it may be that hope which maketh 
not ashamed, having its fruits in a godly life, 



148 BELA JACOBS. 

and its end in heaven. Attended a prayer* 
meeting with my brethren, at the vestry, for the 
first time since the autumn. It was a season of 
deep feeling to me. There was a large number 
out, and all as solemn as eternity. I think I see 
the day-star of a revival arising. 

** March 27th. — A sociable party at my house 
this afternoon. I conversed with them on the 
great things of the eternal word. Closed the 
interview with prayer. 

^^ March 28th.— A meeting at my house pre- 
paratory to the communion. Though the walkingis 
very bad yet, a larger number were present than at 
any former meeting of the kind, and more earn- 
est feeling was manifested than I have seen since 
I came here. One thing I consider very favor- 
able ; the mention all made of prayer, as a 
means of growth in the divine life, and of con- 
verting the world. Our God is a God hearing 
prayer- Why do men so neglect this means of 
bringing their hearts near to the Savior. 

** March 29th. — Quite unwell in body, and 
barren in mind. Oh, for the enlightening influ- 
ence of the Spirit of truth. I have to prepare for 
the important duties of the sanctuary on the 
morrow; but I feel poor, exceedingly. What 
can I offer to the dear people who will come with 
the expectation of hearing things new as well as 
old? If the great Teacher of soulsneachesnot 
me, I am undone— I cannot teach others. 

''March SOth, LorcTs-day, — My heavenly Pa- 
rent has been kind ; oh, how kind to me. Just 
as I was going to meeting in the morning, Br. 
." — -, very unexpectedly came in, and offered to 



BELA JACOBS. 149 

pass the day with me ; so I set him to preaching 
JQ the morning. I preached in the afternoon, 
and administered the supper of the Lord. A 
number seemed to be serious, and I ventured to 
appoint an inquiry meeting for Friday evening 
next. 

'* Friday^ April Ath. — Beyond my expecta- 
tions, I had seven at my inquiry meeting this 
evening. I endeavored to impress on them the 
necessity of seeking after truth, and truth alone ; 
and sent them to their Bible and their knees. 
Oh, that the Lord u^ould teach them, and guide 
them and me. I cannot but hope that I shall 
yet see a glorious work of grace in this place. 
Even so. Amen. 

^^ Saturday Evenings April 5tJi* — This even- 
ing the church repaired to the mercy-seat, to 
implore blessings upon themselves, and the town 
in which we dwell. Our plan is to meet in little 
circles in our respective neighborhoods ; or, if 
that be inconvenient, to enter our closets, and 
spend an hour there. Let me, then, in my 
study, mingle my prayers with theirs, and seek 
the blessing of the Most High upon his cause in 
this region, and on multitudes who are far from 
God. How pleasant is the exercise of devotion, 
if we feel the spirit of it ; 

' But if the Lord be once withdrawn, 
And we attempt the work alone,' 

then it is a task with but little sweetness in it. 
T felt deeply engaged in my petitions, especially 
for the church of which I am pastor. I prayed 



150 EELA JACOBS. 

for them, not only collectively, but as divided 
into classes ; as heads of families, that they 
might rightly bring up their children. for 
some, as individuals whose partners in life are 
not pious ; then for widows, and for single per- 
sons, &c. For some I prayed by name ; and 
then for my congregation, l^ord, hear and an- 
swer. I never felt to implore so earnestly the 
blessing of Jehovah on the college in this town; 
that officers and students might be led to re- 
nounce all self-righteousness, and feel their need 
of an atoning Savior, and that Savior God made 
in our likeness, rendering to the law that obe- 
dience we owed, and had failed to render;] 
sealing his covenant with his blood, Jesus the 
Lord, dying that we might live. Oh ! Lord the i 
work is thine, and into thy hand I commit my- 
self I pray thee to make use of me to advance 
ihy glorious cause: this is I think my most earnest 
desire. Make me wise to win souls to heaven. 

'^ Jipynl Itli. — This has been a day of confu- 
sion. The election of state officers has taken 
place in all the towns, and much interest is felt 
by all the parties. I opened the meeting with 
prayer, and soon after, as there appeared much 
warmth, I withdrew, and visited some of my 
charge. I urged them to make their callmg and 
election sure; reminding them how soon all 
this turmoil and noise, and even the world it- 
self will have passed away. 

** April IQth. — This evening, the house of 
one of my neighbors was burnt down : he lost 
all his furniture, &/C. and narrowly escaped with 
J)is life. He is a steady, industrious man, and 



BELA JACOBS. 151 

has lost his all, besides being severely burnt. 
So uncertain are all earthly things; how should 
every thing about us teach us to lay up our treas- 
ures, and place our hearts on high, where no 
disaster ever comes. 

*' April IQth, — A very interesting church 
meeting. One of our members, who had wan- 
dered from the right way, came, confessed his 
error, and asked forgiveness. Oh ! how pleas- 
ant it is to see wandering sheep returning to the 
fold. Every heart v^as rejoiced, and 1 think we 
felt greater union than at first. 

I fear 1 look too much at second causes, and 
not enough to Him who worketh all things. Or 
perhaps, I have wished for the revival of religion 
among us from wrong motives. Oh that I might 
get beyond the influence of pride and selfish- 
ness, and labor only for the glory of God, and 
the good of souls, being willing to be nothing 
myself But I am full of sin, and what little I 
do that is right, is strangely mingled with wrong 
and folly. 

*^ April 20th. — Quite unwell to-day, in conse- 
quence of asthma. I sometimes, in my despond- 
ing hours, feel that perhaps God is saying to me, 
by depriving me of breath, ' I have not sent you 
to speak in my name to the people.' But can I 
hold my peace? no. When I see sinners living 
in indifference towards the Redeemer who wishes 
to save them, I must stand in the way to warn 
and persuade them in every possible manner. 
Blessed Savior, let me but hear thy voice saying, 
* My grace shall be sufficient for thee,' and most 
gladly will I glory in my infirmity. 



152 BELA JACOBS. 

" April 25th. — What a comforting thought it 
is, that the Lord does not change with our feel- 
ings. * He is a rock, and his work is perfect.' 
I am more and more convinced of the error into 
which we fall in this respect ; we speak and 
think of our God, as afar off; as drawing near 
at sometimes, and withdrawing at others. But 
lo ! he is ever round about us ; and we on the 
earth, by our worldliness, raise up a cloud of 
thick dust between us and heaven, and say * the 
Lord will not hear us.' 

'' April 26th. — Have felt better in health to- 
day than for some time, and I think my mind 
has enjoyed a little more spirituality than some- 
times. I have indeed enjoyed a happy calm ; 
and while making preparation for the Sabbath, 
have felt willing to be not an acceptable preach- 
er, if I may but be useful to some of the precious 
souls confided to me. Alas ! how much self in- 
terferes, when we dream we are actuated only 
by devotion to the Savior, and love to souls. 
The Lord has said, and my own experience 
teaches, that, without his aid, my efforts will be 
worse than useless. Let me, then, heartily in- 
voke that aid. 

** Lord'^S'day, 27th. — Notwithstanding my good 
health yesterday, the asthma returned in the 
evening, and kept me up all night. Have how- 
ever been rather comfortable to-day. Preached 
in the morning at the third church, Boston, Br. 
Sharp being away. Subject, * the great salva- 
tion.' At home in the afternoon. Addressed 
the youth of my congregation, from Eccl. xi. 9. 
' Rejoice, oh young man, &c.' Oh ! that 



BELA JACOBS. 153 

they might hear and live. In the evening, Br. 
Lincoln gave us a most solemn sermon, from 
* Remember Lot's wife.' 

*' May 5th. — Attended a town meeting for the 
choice of representatives to the legislature. I 
never gave my vote before on this occasion, but 
I considered this as an important trial, and am 
pleased with the result. It is matter of rejoic- 
ing, that all government is in the hands of a 
Being wiser and purer than any statesman. 

Opened to-day our circulating library for the 
church. Our establishment is, as yet, small ; as 
we have only about one hundred volumes. The 
Lord bless this means of increasing the amount 
of information among us. The books are most- 
ly religious, and if read, I believe this library 
will prove a powerful auxiliary to the preached 
word. If the church knew the delight of an en- 
lightened piety, as compareil with a kind of 
glimmering of the truth, they would not, as they 
now seem to do sometimes, shun every thing 
that tends to inform and elevate the mind." 

Mr. Lincoln, and the Rev. Mr. Sabine were 
in the habit of preaching for Mr. Jacobs very 
frequently on the Sabbath evenings ; they were 
indeed his usual supplies. Mr. Lincoln, (the 
late lamented Ensign Lincoln,) never had a set- 
tled charge ; he was best known in the churches 
as a devoted, humble Christian, and a wise 
counsellor ; in business, as an upright, liberal 
publisher and bookseller. 

Mr. Sabine was at that time setthid over the 
Essex Street church, Boston. He is now, I be- 
lieve, one of the Episcopal Clergy of Vermont. 
13 



154 BELA JACOBS. ^ 

" June Wth, 1823. — I am just recovering from 
a long and severe struggle with the asthma. 
Have been unable to preach for three Sabbaths 
past. 1 have, however, felt to day some enjoy- 
ment in humbling myself before the Lord ! Oh 
that I might keep constantly at the foot of the 
mercy-seat ! 

' Here may the sinner come, 
And find his sins forgiven ; 

For broken hearts there's room, 
And peace and joy in heaven.' 

*' June 16M. — A delightful interview with 
Mrs. Judson at my house. A great number of 
persons present, to hear her describe the state 
of the mission in Burmah. The ladies then 
raised fifty-five dollars, to purchase a Burmah 
female for the contemplated school, and Mrs. 
F. promised to defray the expense of her educa- 
tion for five years. 

*' Saturday, '^Ist. — Attended the farewell meet- 
ing of our dear Missionaries, who are to embark 
for Burmah to-morrow. Dr. Clark from New 
York, delivered an address on the subject of 
missions. Dr. Baldwin presented the right hand 
of fellowship to our brother Wade. The whole 
closed with singing, *0'er the gloomy hills of 
darkness.* Many prayers were, I doubt not, as- 
cending in behalf of these friends, and others. 
1 bless God that I live in such a day as this. 

'* July Itli. — Have been riding, sailing, &/C. 
to get rid of asthma, which has come upon me 
like a strong man armed. There is a report 



BELA JACOBS. 155 

that Father Grafton* of Newton is dead. He 
has been on a journey to Baltimore, and it is 
said that he died on his passage home. If this 
be true, it is a very serious stroke to his family, 
to his people, and to Zion at large. His praise 
was in all the churches. Have felt lately much 
cast down, under a sense of my coldness and 
sinfulness. My Father, let me live for some 
good." 

The following is appended to the last extract. 

" After this, I was laid aside from my minis- 
terial labors for six months." 

* It need not, of course, be said here, that this report was 
incorrect. 



CHAPTER IX. 



THE YEAR 1824 MINISTERIAL TRIALS A RE- 
VIVAL OF RELIGION AMONG MR. JACOBS' PEO- 
PLE. 



** January \st^ 1824. — A new year has open- 
ed upon me under circumstances of great mercy. 
The past year has been to me one of great suf- 
fering. I have been unable to preach more than 
half the time, and, for several months together, 
have been laid aside entirely. Yet the Lord 
has been very good to me. He has cast my lot 
among a people who are, in the main, kind 
and affectionate ; who have truly sympathized 
with me, and sustained, without murmuring, the 
burden of an assistant. I desire to be willing to 
lay out all my strength in the serving such a peo- 
ple. My Heavenly Father has graciously smiled 
upon me, in restoring my health, so that I can 
preach once upon the Sabbath. And to crown 
the blessings with which this year has commenc- 
ed, the attention of many has been directed to 
the subject of religion, in a greater degree than I 
have before witnessed. 



EELA JACOBS. 157 

*^ January 3 J. — Have been employed all day 
in my study, but my mind is not in such a state 
as I could wish it were. I have been preparing 
a discourse on the commencement of the New 
Year ; but, alas ! I feel very deficient in the du- 
ties which I propose urging on others. Lord, 
give me grace to serve thee, and may my life and 
conversation be as becometh the gospel. 

*' January Ath. — A most solemn and interest- 
ing day. Brother Cookson preached morning and 
evening ; and in the afternoon I delivered a new 
year's sermon on 'redeeming the time.' A 
large audience, and very serious. There is ev- 
idently a work of grace among us. May it fill 
the place with the fruits of righteousness. 

^^ January 5t7i. — Visited several families with 
Mr. Cookson, found old professors quite awake 
to duty. Conversed with one individual in great 
mental distress. Had the satisfaction of seeing 
one young convert, and heard some good news 
of others. Surely this should call forth grati- 
tude of heart. Glory be to the Father, and to 
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. 

*' January 1th, — Visited the singing school 
connected with our congregation. Made an ad- 
dress, and prayed with them. Oh that these 
young persons might all live to the service of 
Him, whose praises they sing, that at last they 
may indeed sing his praises forever. 

'^January 8th. — Heard a distressing account 

of some imprudent conduct in , which has 

opened the mouths of the enemies of religion, 
and is likely to aflect him very seriously. Oh ! 
how careful should the minister of the sanctuary 
13* 



158 BELA JACOBS. 

be, and how does this admonish me to be ever 
on my guard. ' Let him thatthinketh he stand- 
eth, take heed lest he fall.' May 1 be preserved 
not only from evil, but even from the most re- 
mote appearance of evil. 

" January \Qtli, — My mind has been greatly 
harassed for a day or two, in consequence of a 
report calculated to cause misunderstanding be- 
tween me and my best friends ; but conscious 
integrity enables me to rise in some degree above 
it. But my trials are light compared with those 

of poor Br. . Mr. and Mr. have 

been with me most of the afternoon, seeking ad- 
vice. That affair is very serious, threatening 
their dissolution as a church, or his ruin as a 
preacher ; and yet there is no actual wrong 
alleged, or even suspected. In this case, the 
enemy exulting say, A(ha ! so would we have it. 
Truly, a good name, precious as it is, is but 
breath; still, in the end, the innocent are always 
delivered out of all their trouble. My Savior, I 
would fain have my heart near to thee ; then 
whatever storms may come, I have that within 
me shall make me smile through them all, as I 
sing, 

' Jesus is mine, and I am his, 
What do I want beside 1 ' 

** January loth. — I fear I have been inclined 
to lean too much on individuals, and have not 
trusted enough in the Lord. 

' Why should I make a man my trust ? 
Princes must die and turn to dust.' 



BELA JACOBS. 159 

Oh, Lord ! help me to lean on thy arm alone, 
and to serve thee with all my powers. 

*' In the evening went to Brookline, and 
preached at the house of one of my brethren, 
whose wife has not had the privilege of hearing 
a sermon before for nearly two years. This was 
a very pleasant season to me, and I hope to oth- 
ers. I spoke from Acts viii. 35. I tried in great 
affection to ' preach unto them Jesus,' and those 
present, between forty and fifty, listened with 
great attention. I have hope from the results of 
this meeting. 

*' Lord^ S'day , 18th. — Though stormy, I had a 
good congregation. Br. Lincoln preached in 
the morning a charming discourse from Psalm 
cxix. 59 ; * I thought upon my way.' I have 
visited a good deal lately ; going from house to 
house, and endeavoring to call the attention of 
the families to the subject of religion. Li this 
duty I have been obliged to be deficient on ac- 
count of health ; but now that I am better, I pur- 
pose in the strength of the Lord, to be more 
active. 

^^ January '^Ast. A number of friends with 
us ; some, who appear thoughtful, and one who 
has recently indulged a hope. Among the com- 
pany, was a young lady from Salem, ^ who con- 
templates going out to India, to join the mission 
in Burmah. The Lord go with her, and bless 
her, and make her a blessing. 

** Friday^ 236/. — This has been a distressing 
day to me ; the difficulty that has been working 

* This lady afterwards married Rev. George D. Board- 
man, and is now Mrs. Sarah Jndson. 



160 BELA JACOBS. 

beneath the surface for some time, seems just 
ready to break out. Some tattling persons have 
been striving to create ill feelings between my- 
self and some of my best friends. In one respect 
I mean they shall be foiled; for I am determined, 
by the help of the Lord, to admit, no, not for an 
instant, any unkind, or suspicious, or bitter feel- 
ings. I may be pained, but that is better than 
to give pain to others, and to those whom I love. 
The difficulty had its rise in reports that I was 
unfriendly towards Br. Cookson's coming here. 
But, in this instance, I feel that my conduct has 
been perfectly justifiable, and I can confidently 
appeal to Him who searches the heart : my feel- 
ings have been greatly tried. Lord, I come to 
thee ; give me thy Spirit for my guide. 

'^January 2Uh. — I have felt to-day to commit 
my ways unto the Lord, and have felt great com- 
fort in so doincr. 1 count this the greatest trial 
I ever experienced, except the loss of my health, 
and the two united are heavy indeed. 

''^ Lor cVs-day^ January 25th, — I have to-day 
found, in answer to prayer, a holy calm and 
sweet peace. There is increasing evidence that 
the Spirit of the Most High is operating on the 

minds of some of my congregation. Br. C 

preached in the morning and evening ; I preach- 
ed in the afternoon on the words * Ye know the 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.' At the table 
of our Lord, I felt melted, and could in some de- 
gree feel the amazing love of the Savior to sin- 
ners, and the worth of the souls for which the 
Lord of glory died. 

' Did Christ o'er sinners weep, 
And shall my eyes be dry 1 ' 



BELA JACOBS. 161 

^^ January 26ih. — A stormy day, and I liave 
been consequently confined to the house. My 
mind has been in a happy frame ; I do not mean 
that I have enjoyed ecstacy — I never do ; but my 
most delightful feelings are a cheerful composure, 
and a calm reliance upon my heavenly Father. 
There appears now a dark cloud in the horizon 
of my ministry, which threatens my removal from 
this people. It has had its origin in my sick- 
ness, and has pained me greatly. But I feel 
now to commit myself, and this thing in partic- 
ular, to the kind care of IJim who careth for the 
least of his saints ; and 1 think that in patience 
I have possessed my soul. 

*^ January ^Itli. — Visited an aged brother in 
the ministry, (Rev. E. Nelson,) who is very sick. 
I thought, when viewing him so calm, so happy, 
that his condition is truly enviable : he has about 
finished his course, and the ministry which he 
has received ; he has surmounted all the toils 
and difficulties of this work, and is just ready to 
enter the haven of eternal rest. While I, with 
my poor bark, am probably in the midst of a 
tempestuous ocean, and, before I reach the land, 
shall have to encounter adverse winds, and raging 
waves, and treacherous calms. With regard to 
the unpleasant affair to which I have alluded, I 
have given it up ; I have done with it. May I 
forgive truly, and from the heart, whatever has 
been done to injure rne ; and, oh, may I be for- 
given, if any hasty or unkind feeling, has, for a 
moment, found a lodging in my breast. '^ 

In consideration of Mr. Jacobs' feeble health, 
and consequent inability to preach and visit as 



162 BELA JACOBS. 

much as his people desired, it had been proposed 
to him to have an assistant settled as co-pastor 
with himself. But. greatly as this arrangement 
would have conduced to his own personal relief 
from labor, he thought best, for several reasons, 
to decline. This proposal was not from the 
church as a body, but from one individual mem- 
ber ; and that, among other things, had some 
weight in determining him to decline the offer. 
A much more powerful reason was, the fear lest 
some of the more unwise and tattling part of the 
church would imbibe and promote jealous feel- 
ings with regard to the two pastors. He had 
already seen some of this spirit developing itself 
in various ways, and he was resolved to adopt 
no measure, and to pursue no course of conduct, 
which would have a tendency to encourage it. 

The following letter will sufficiently exhibit 
bis feelings towards the friend he alludes to, who 
had, in the sincerest kindness, ofi^ered to provide 
a colleague for him. It need scarcely be said, 
that this petty tale-bearing had produced no ef- 
fect on the minds of Mr. Cookson and Mr. Ja- 
cobs. Both were above and beyond such little- 
ness ; and their feelings towards each other con- 
tinued to be as before, those of mutual kindness 
and regard. 

'* Dear Brother^ — I have taken the subject of 
a co-pastor into serious and prayerful considera- 
tion, and have concluded, (in order to avoid any 
misunderstanding on the subject,) to put on pa- 
per the result, together with my reasons, to 
which I beg your serious attention. I would 
wish however, first, to premise a few things. 



BELA JACOBS* 163 

i *' When T entered upon the pastoral office in 

^ this place, it was with the unanimous approba- 

f tion of the church and society. I need not in- 

^ form you that I entered upon the duties of this 

' highly responsible office with great fear and 

< trembling; but I realized who had said, ' Lo, I 

am with you.' In his strength 1 ventured for- 

'• ward ; I felt to consecrate myself to his service, 

and to that of the people who had invited me to 

become their pastor. I felt a warm attachment 

for the people, and believed that I was equally 

beloved by them. 

''Under these impressions, and with an ample 
field of labor before me, I entered on my work 
with bright expectations. It has pleased the 
Lord, however, in a measure, to cross my pros- 
pects by laying his afflicting hand upon me. 
The trial has been to me a distressing one, for 
other reasons than that of great bodily suffer- 
ings. But through this long and distressing af- 
fliction, the trial has been greatly mitigated by 
the tender sympathies of an affectionate people; 
and I think I fully appreciate their kindness 
manifested towards me, and the cause that is 
near my h^art ; especially the season past, in 
providing a supply, and their manifest anxious 
solicitude for my recovery to health. This has 
increased my affection for them, and my anx- 
iety to serve them with greater devotion. 

** I could assure you, my dear brother, if it 
were necessary, that I have not been insensible 
of your attachment to me, and of the great bur- 
den which you have borne, not only for the past 
year, but for six years ; and I trust you will have 



164 BELA JACOBS. 

your reward. I cannot compensate you ; you 
do not expect it. But the kindness manifested 

by yourself and sister , shall ever be had in 

grateful remembrance by us. I also beg leave 
to assure you, that I am fully persuaded, that 
the proposal made to me, of associating another 
with me in the pastoral office, originated in the 
best of motives." 

The remainder of the letter contains an ex- 
pression of the reasons which influenced him to 
refuse the offer of an associate. Thus much has 
been said on the subject, as it has been sadly 
misrepresented. 

^^ February 1st. — Time is ever on the wing; 
one month of the new year has already gone. 
Let me every day inquire what I can do to profit 
the souls of my fellow men, and advance the 
cause of the great Redeemer. 

^' To-day my assistant, Mr. C , finished 

his engagement. He has been with me six 
months. I have now to go on alone. Oh Lord, 
give me health and strength, and make me use- 
ful to this beloved flock. 

" February 5th. — The coldest day of the 
winter : I could not resist the desire to attend 
the conference this evening, and I found it good 
to be there. A large number present, and great 
solemnity resting on the minds of all. I con- 
versed with some who ' have thought upon their 
ways,' and turned their feet towards the paths of 
peace. My soul doth magnify the Lord. I 
think my most earnest desire is, that he will 
graciously incline the hearts of this people to 



BELA JACOBS. 165 

serious thoughts on their duty toward God, and 
on the necessity of preparation for eternity. 

** February 7th, — This is the anniversary of 
our wedding-day ; and though, in the course of 
these fourteen years, we have, in common with 
others, seen some trials and sorrow; yet great, 
exceedingly, has been the goodness of our heav- 
enly Father to us as a family. Of our six chil- 
dren, the eldest he has taken to himself; the 
others are in the possession of health and reason. 
Oh, my children, may you all live to know and 
serve the Lord. 

** February 9th. — My birth-day ; thirty-eight 
years I have been on the footstool, a pensioner 
on the goodness of God. Twenty of these years 
I have been professedly a follower of the Savior; 
but, alas! like Peter, I have followed afar off. 
Have I not, like Peter, sometimes denied my 
Redeemer 1 If so, O Lord, look upon me, 
and my heart shall weep bitterly. For sixteen 
of these years I have been preaching to others 
the good news of salvation from sin. What good 
have I been the means of doing? I would hum- 
ble myself in the dust under a sense of my man- 
ifold imperfections, and cry, * unclean, unclean ; 
God be merciful to me a sinner/ 

** I had a larger number of inquirers this 
evening than ever before. This is encouraging ; 
May they be taught by the Spirit in all the truth. 
The work, O Lord, is thine ; and thine the 
praise of every sinner saved. 

^^ February llth. — I had to-day, in my retired 
moments, an affecting sense of the goodness of 
God towards me, especially in the restoration of 
14 



166 BELA JACOBS. 

my health. ' Bless the Lord, oh, my soul, and 
forget not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thy 
iniquities, who healeth all thy sicknesses.' 

** February 12th. — A severe storm of wind and 
rain last night ; many, doubtless, suffered great- 
ly, but the Lord made us to abide in safety. I 
have visited several families to-day, but discover- 
ed no new cases of conviction. In one family, 
as I was coming away, the woman asked me to 
stop and pray with them. In the course of my 
prayer, her daughter, a young woman of eighteen 
or twenty, wept and sobbed as if her heart would 
break ; she immediately afterwards left the room. 
May it prove the arrow of the Lord, and may 
the wound be healed only by the Savior, when 
her heart shall be given entirely to him. 

** February llth. — Felt very unpleasantly this 
afternoon, in turning, or rather suffering a poor 
man to go from my door without bestowing on 
him anything to relieve his evident necessity. 
I had not one cent in the world ; but this did 
not satisfy my mind afterwards. O Lord, those 
who apply to thee, shall never be sent empty 
away, for thine are all riches, and power, and 
willingness to give. 

" February ISth. — At our church-meeting, 
one young woman came before the church, but 
as she had not obtained her parents' consent, and' 
as we learned, her father was particularly hostile, 
we deferred any decision on her case. I am a 
wonder to many, in that I am at meeting almost 
every evening. I have, last week and this, at- 
tended fourteen meetings. 

^^ February 25th. — Spent great part of the 



BELA JACOBS. 167 

day in visiting, I have never done so much of 
this in the same time, since I have been here. 
In the three months last past, I have called on 
more than a hundred families. This practice 
has its advantages, as well as its evils. It en- 
dears the pastor to his flock, and he becomes 
better acquainted with, their dispositions, and 
their temporal and spiritual wants. 

** February 2StJi. — To-morrow I must appear 
as an advocate for God before an assembly of 
souls that are to exist forever. Oh, how inad- 
equate ! Lord, give me knowledge, give me 
strength, give me grace. Spent the evening 
alone, while my fannlj were gone to the prayer- 
meeting, and I think I was permitted to lift up 
some heart-felt petitions to the throne of grace. 
It is encouraging to a minister to feel on the 
Saturday night, that he has friends who are en- 
gaged in praying for a blessing on his labors on 
the Sabbath-day. 

^^ March 2d. — Found in my walks to-day, 
one man of whom I entertain considerable hope; 
but it is like the feeble dawning of the morn- 
ing : may it brighten into a long, perfect shining 
day. 

** March 6th. — Had a contest with some Uni- 
versalists to-day, for the first time since they 
came into the place. I was compelled to act on 
the defensive, as I consider myself set for the 
defence of the gospel. O Lord, put forth thy 
power, and convince these deluded souls, of sin 
and of a judgment ; and suffer not souls to be 
deceived on the most momentous of all con- 
cerns. 



168 BELA JACOBS. 

''March lOM. — Spent the day in the edge of 
Watertown, where I preached in the evening to 
a large room-full of very attentive hearers. My 
text was from the 49th Psalm ; ' For the re- 
demption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth 
forever/ I confidently believe, that the seed 
sown to-night, will not be lost. Oh ! if I could 
breathe into my hearers a tithe of my concern 
for their souls' salvation, they would not, they 
could not remain unmoved ; but they would with 
haste, and earnest importunity, seek for the bles- ' 
sings of this salvation, ere the time shall cease 
forever. 

" March I5th. — Went to visit a young man 
who is very sick ; found him thoughtfully inclin- 
ed ; but I was very much delighted to find his 
father pressed down under a sense of his sins. 
This was really unexpected, as he has been for- 
merly opposed to experimental religion. I hope 
the result will be a thorough surrender of him- 
self to the Maker, whose claims he has, till now, 
strongly resisted. 

** March I7th. — Yesterday and to-day have 
been to me very favorable ; giving me an un- 
interrupted opportunity of reading. I begin to ' 
feel some of the evils of constant visiting ; and 
those of my people who would insist most strong- 
ly on receiving the frequent visits of the pastor, 
would not kei willing to excuse in his sermons 
the marks of hasty preparation, or want of study. 
At our church meeting, we had seven applicants 
for admission. These are the first fruits of the 
revival : may the harvest be abundant. 

't March ISth. — Br. Jackson, of Charlestown, 



BELA JACOBS. 169 

attended my conference for me, and Br. B. 
Grafton spent the night at my house. He brings 
good news from Plymouth. The Lord appears 
to be pouring out his Spirit on many places. I 
rejoice that Cambridge is among the number. 

^^ March 19^A. — Unwell and at home, but not 
permitted to rest, as I had company almost all 
day. There is a pleasure in such interruptions, 
however, as all who came, did so in order to ask, 
* Sir, what shall I do to be saved ? ' This is the 
time I long have wished to see — immortal souls 
awake to their high destinies. 

'* March 24th. — Attended the ordination of 
Br. J. Cookson, as pastor of the Maiden church. 
Father Nelson the aged minister is still living, 
but very sick. The exercises were quite interest- 
ing. While praying at the imposition of hands, 
I felt solemnly reminded of my own consecra- 
tion to the sacred work fifteen years ago, and 1 
called to mind my solemn vows. Oh that I may 
live more and more to the service of my divine 
Master, and finally meet his gracious approba- 
tion, for having been faithful over a few things. 

'* March 27th, — A beautiful day, but I am 
sad : I tremble at the duties before me on the 
morrow ; but I can do all things through Christ, 
who strengthens me. Oh ! for more grace and 
trust and confidence in God. 

*' March 2Sth. — I most solemnly believe this 
day will be remembered by some precious soul 
with joy, even in the distant ages of eternity. 
Our house was crowded at an early hour this 
morning. Such a congregation was never be- 
fore seen in it on a Sabbath morning. I preach- 
14* 



170 BELA JACOBS. 

ed on the subject and mode of Christian Bap- 
tism ; after which we assembled at our Jordan, 
and T baptized ten persons. A large assemblage 
at the water, and very still. 

'* Jlpril 8th. — My dear family sick, and con- 
sequently my mind is anxious and depressed. 
My children all have the whooping cough ; and 
S. is really very sick. Oh, for uncomplaining, 
unmurmuring patience, to endure every trial my 
Heavenly Father sees good for us. 

'•' Jipril I2fh. — At home all day with my sick 
S. . She appears more comfortable, which re- 
vives my drooping spirits. Oh how prone is this 
fond heart of mine to lean on creatures ; they} 
are fading all. Have been reading, with great- 
pleasure, a part of Fuller's Life. With great 
pleasure, do I say? rather with great self-con- 
demnation and shame. I feel to accuse myself 
of coldness, and inactivity, and every thing that; 
is bad. When I consider how much he accom-; 
plished in the renovation of our fallen world, I \ 
am ready to sink with shame and confusion. ; 
And when I look higher, and consider the ex- - 
ample set before us by our blessed Lord, then 
am I ready to cry out in despair ; but, Lord, thou 
canst lead me in the right way, and thou canst 
pardon all my wanderings and ignorance, for 
the Savior's sake. 

Felt distressed this evening, on hearing of a 
division in a neighboring church, in consequence 
of alleged imprudence on the part of the pastor. 
Let me, from this melancholy affair, learn an im- 
portant lesson — to watch over my own heart 
and life, and to live near the mercy-seat, that my 



BELA JACOBS. 171 

soul may be so intent on heavenly and all-im- 
portant things, as never to be disturbed or injur- 
ed by the little matters of time and sense. 

" April \4tth, — A very interesting church 
meeting. I addressed the church on brotherly 
love ; and was pleased to see such a lovely 
Christian spirit exhibited by our members. My 
mind has all this week been greatly ill at ease, 
with regard to the subjects on which to preach 
on Sunday ; but I cannot rest on any thing. 
All the circumstances of the church and con- 
gregation would seem calculated to ^suggest ma- 
terials for a sermon, but I can find none. My 
own mind too is elastic and comfortable, but I 
fear that I shall have nothing to say to the peo- 
ple; 

^^ April \%tli — Went to hear an Arian cler- 
gyman this afternoon. His subject was the cru- 
cifixion of our blessed Lord. He spoke of this 
event as very full of instruction, and highly in- 
teresting, furnishing us with a most perfect ex- 
ample of piety and submission. All he said was 
true ; but * this ought he to have done, and not 
to leave the other undone.' He said nothing of 
this event being the closing act of the great 
tragedy by which was wrought out the salvation 
of a world in ruins ; nothing of the only ground 
of the sinner's hope. But of what avail is their 
beautiful morality, if we build not on Christ cru- 
cified, the atoning Lamb for man's transgressions'* 



!? 



* Speak they of morals '? Oh ! thou bleeding Lamb, 
The grand morality is love of thee.' 

" April \^th, — Called to see a sick woman ; 



172 BELA JACOBS. 

but my visit was declined, with a request that I 
would call to-morrow. 

^' Tuesday, 20th. — The w^oman mentioned 
above, saw no to-morrow in this world. She 
died last night. How serious to put off the con- 
cerns of the souls, as we all do, more or less, to 
a more convenient time ; to some uncertain to- 
morrow^ May no neglect of my people's w^elfare 
be found resting on my soul, in the great coming 
day. 

April 25th. — A good day. I baptised two 
this morning. Every thing seemed to unite to 
make the season pleasant ; the morning was se- 
rene, the tide full, the assembly large and se- 
rious, and the candidates calm and happy ; and, 
to crown all, 1 heard of one young man who 
has just been brought into the liberty of the 
gospel. 

''April 26f/i.— Excessively fatigued with the j 
services of yesterday, and rested to-day as hard 
as possible. Attended an Astronomical lecture 
in the evening, and was instructed and gratified; 
but I desire always to remember that there is a 
science beyond the stars. 

"• May \th. — One lady called on me to ex- 
press her desire of making a profession of re- 
ligion. She is violently opposed by her husband, 
who is a Universalist. How inconsistent that 
those who pretend to universal benevolence, 
should manifest such hatred and persecution of 
those who are the disciples of Christ. 

*^ May 9th, — Exchanged with Br. Cookson, 
and, after preaching twice, rode home and heard 
Mr. Sabine preach at my place on secret prayer. 



BELA JACOBS. 173 

Within the past week I have heard three con- 
verts express repentance for sin, and faith in, the 
Savior. May they all act as becometh the re- 
deemed of the Lord, and by good works prove 
that their hearts have been indeed renewed. 

'^ July 2d, — A new month ; thus months and 
years are filling up, and I am hastening to an 
eternal state, whore the divisions of time are no 
more. Oh, that I meditated more on my near- 
ness to such a state, and were more anxious to 
be prepared for an entrance into the presence of 
my Lord. 

'' 1 visited to-day an aged minister. If there 
be an enviable situation in this life, it is that of 
a saint just ready to lay down his feeble and sin- 
ful body in the dust, and enter, purified and safe, 
upon the joys of heaven. 

^^ July 6th, — The anniversary of my ordina- 
tion. Fifteen years ago, I vowed to live and 
die in the service of my Master, spending all my 
strength and all my powers in endeavoring to 
persuade men to be saved. From a review of 
my past life, how should I feel humbled. What 
almost imperceptible advance have I made in 
knowledge and in grace. Yea, it appears to 
me doubtful whether my course has not been 
retrograde. If I consider the blessings so lav- 
ishly bestowed on me, my debt of gratitude 
seems endless. Oh, how little have I paid. 
When the Lord shall say to me, * Pay that thou 
owest,' may Jesus be my surety. * Lo, he has 
found a ransom.' 

'' July lilu — A distressing fire in Boston. 
Fifteen dwelling-houses burnt, and more injured. 



174 BELA JACOBS. 

I witnessed the flames from the steeple, and 
thought, this is what they call real estate. Oh, 
how unreal. In one short hour, thousands and 
tens of thousands fade away in smoke and ashes. 
May mine be a building not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens. 

^^ July 8th. — Visited the scene of yesterday's 
fire, and endeavored to feel more than before the 
truth that riches make to themselves wings and fly 
away ; and the importance of laying up treasures 
in heaven, beyond the reach of accident. 

** Lord' S'd ay ^ July iSth. — Another very inter- 
esting Sabbath. I preached in the morning from 
Psalm iv. 6, 7 ; ^ There be many who say, Who 
will show us any good V In the afternoon, from 
' See that thou make all things according to the 
pattern.' After the service, I baptized six per- 
sons — two young men, and four women. The 
spectators were numerous, and solemn. Oh, 
that as heretofore, this ordinance may be blessed 
to the conversion of some immortal soul. Mr. 
Sabine's sermon, in the evening, was an excel- 
lent one, on the evils of procrastination. 

'* July 23c?. — Asthma last night worse than for 
eight months. I am better to-day. Oh, that I 
were more grateful to the Giver of all good, for 
his numberless mercies to me. 

'* August \st. — Came last night to Hingham 
to preach to a few Baptists, and others who love 
the gospel, and who have not the privilege of 
sitting under its joyful sound. Had about forty 
in the morning, seventy in the afternoon, and in 
the evening about one hundred and fifty. I en- 
joyed great freedom in trying to persuade my 
hearers to be reconciled to God. 



BELA JACOBS. 175 

*' August 5th.— A very serious occurrence 
has just reached my ears. Two of the young 
men whom I have recently baptized, have de- 
clared themselves Universalists. Oh, tell it not 
in Gath, publish it not in Askelon. May they 
yet be reclaimed. Found Br. Cookson at our 
conference this evening, to my great pleasure. 

** August 1th. — The case of the two unhappy 
young men has produced great excitement; the 
church is grieved ; our young converts especial- 
ly, are greatly distressed. But the enemy exult 
greatly. Oh, our Father, sanctify this to us all, 
and purify this church though it be by fire. 
These young men spent an hour with me this 
evening ; but they had previously prepared them- 
selves to talk on the subject, by learning from a 
Universalist what they should say. I am sorry 
for this occurrence ; but most of all, grieved for 
the youths themselves : may they see the error 
of the path they have chosen, and be led to walk 
in the ways of holiness and truth. 

" August 8th. — To-day, for the first time in 
six months, I have been unable to preach ; at- 
tended meeting, however. Br. William Leverett 
preached for me during the day, and Br. E. Nel- 
son, Jr., in the evening ; all good sermons ; may 
good be done, and may those who have to-day 
striven to benefit the souls of others, be them- 
selves blessed of the Most High. Universalism, 
seems, I think, to be gaining ground among us. 
One of my congregation declared to me that he 
was fully persuaded of the truth of that creed, 
and yet this man has for some time seemed very 
anxious to become a Christian. But the heart is 



176 BELA JACOBS. 

ready to lay hold on any error, rather than, lay- 
ing aside every hindering sin, to flee for refuge 
to the cross. May this individual not make 
shipwreck of his soul on this deceitful rock. I 
can pray for him to that Being who can turn 
every heart. That is a noble declaration, ' The 
foundation of God standeth sure.' Lord, know- 
est thou me as thine ? Oh, make me careful to 
depart from all iniquity. 

'* August ISth. — This evening, at our church 
meeting, we excluded two persons ; a circum- 
stance which has never before occurred in our 
history ; we have only excluded one before, dur- 
ing our existence as a church; a period of near- 
ly seven years. How serious to be obliged to 
cut off members as dry and withered branches. 
These young persons once bid fair for usefulness 
and piety, but frost has nipped their blossoms in 
the bud. May they, however, yet live as trees; 
of the Lord's planting." i 

During this month, Mr. Jacobs made a shortj 
visit to his friends in Rhode Island; passing 
through Taunton, Mass., he preached to a few 
Baptists in that place. The next evening he 
addressed his early charge in Somerset ; spoke 
twice on the Sabbath in Warren ; rode to Paw- 
tuxet, and preached on the evening of September 
3d; on the succeeding Sabbath in Providence, 
and in Pawtuxet. On the seventh of September, 
he attended the meeting of the Warren Associa- 
tion in Attleboro'. He says, '^ I preached to a 
few people at my lodgings, from Eccles. xi. 6; 
' In the morning, sow thy seed, and in the eve- 
ning, withhold not thy hand.' It is twenty years 



BELA JACOBS. 177 

since I was first connected with this association, 
which now is divided into four; but there does 
not appear so much engagedness as in times 
past ; more business, and less devotion." 

** LorcV s-day ^ Sepfemher i2th. — Preached 
eigiit times during my journey, and was rather 
fatigued, when I reached home. Br. Lincoln 
assisted me this morning, preaching, as he al- 
ways does, the pure gospel in much love and 
plainness. I addressed the ' Ladies Benevolent 
Society' in the afternoon, and Br. Cookson 
spoke to us in the evening about ' Christ and 
Him crucihed,' the sinner's hope. 

" I have been thinking to-day of the great 
changes which have taken place in our country, 
in a religious point of view. Li this very vicin- 
ity, I see churches, once firm in the truth of the 
gospel, now sadly subverted ; while, from pulpits 
which once resounded with the news of Christ 
and his salvation, is now delivered a set of mor- 
als such as Seneca might teach. Churches that 
once required an evidence of change of heart in 
their members, now discard the idea of experi- 
mental religion. ^ This is for a lamentation, and 
shall be for a lamentation.' God grant that this 
be not the precursor of ruin. 

' When nations are to perish in their sins, 
'Tis in the church the leprosy begins.' " 

This year (1824,) was, on the whole, a very 
happy one to Mr. Jacobs. One more extract 
from his journal, will bring us to the close of it. 

** December Slst. — The last day of the year. 
15 



l; 



BELA JACOBS. 



What numberless, what unremembered mercies,, 
have been mine during its progress. As it re- 
spects myself, I have been in better heahh than 
for several years, having been prevented from 
preaching but one Sabbath during the whole 
year. 

'* Secondly, the goodness of God towards my 
dear family, ought to fill me with gratitude ; alt 
are spared, all are well, all happy, all together ; 
while others are separated by sea, by land, by 
death. 

'* Thirdly, the divine blessing which has rest- 
ed on the church and people of my charge, should 
inspire me with holy gratitude. The Lord has 
blessed his people, and blessed his word. I have 
baptized twenty-four,* and others have professed 
hope ; and what is to me of unspeakable value,- 
we are, as a church, in peace and harmony." 

* I can fitid but twenty- three names recorded in his) 
" Baptism Book." The number of sermons preached this' 
year at home, was one hundred and one. 



i 



CHAPTER X. 



^HE YEARS ]825, 26, AND 27 INCREASE OF HIS 

CHURCH DURING 1827, 



The year 1825 was not remarkable in the his-^ 
tory of Mr. Jacobs. He preached in the course 
of it, one hundred sermons. His diary is not so 
full as during the year preceding, and two or 
three extracts only will be given. The first is 
expressive of his feeling, with regard to his 
children's religious improvement, 

** February 9th. — My youngest child, who has 
been very sick, and to whose loss I had striven 
hard to be resigned, has to-day, been pronounced 
out of danger. I bless thy kind restoring hand, 
O my Heavenly Father, and would implore thy 
mercy on all my children : make them thine ; 
this is the only prayer I would venture to offer ; 
the most anxious desire of my heart, that my 
children, «Z/of them, may walk in the truth. 

^^ February Wth. — Governor Eustis was to* 
day buried with a great deal of pomp and pa-^ 
rade. £ witnessed the solemnities, if solemni*' 
ties they may be called. We follow to the grave 
our departed fellow-creatures, with all the show 
and stir which wealth and greatness can bring, 



180 BELA JACOBS. 

and it is an impressive scene ; but death itself is 
still, solemn, mysterious ; it is a naked soul go- 
ing alone into the presence of its God." 

The year 1826, did not, in all respects, glide 
away so smoothly as the former. He says, — 

^' It has for a long time been dark and cold ; 
but little life has been enjoyed by myself, and 
my brethren seern not to have been so zealous 
in good works. True, all the forms of religion 
have been scrupulously observed, but our ser- 
vices have been mingled with much worldliness, 
and vanity, and sin. I hear no longer the anx- 
ious inquiry, ' What shall I do to be saved V and 
then there is a spirit of Antinomianism, which 
has greatly distressed me, as it has taken hold 
of some of our once happy band. 

** January 8th, 1826. — Preached this morning 
on the duty of repentance, and felt as if my whole 
heart were poured out to my people, when, at 
the close, I attempted to urge upon the impeni- 
tent, the duty of immediate repentanci^. It is 
painful, however, to know that some of my 
brethren do not approve of addresses to the un- 
converted ; however, feeling as I do, that I am 
sent to call sinners to repentance, I must do so, 
though no heart but mine should deem it right. 
It is hard for a minister in his pulpit to know 
that some who sit to hear him, are on the watch 
for his halting, and ready, not to hold up his 
hands, but to v/eaken them ; how sad, when 
such are some of his church. Truly, * a man's 
foes shall be they of his own household.' 

" Fehruary 9th, 1826.— My birth-day ; forty 
years I have lived on the earth ; doubtless, more 



BELA JACOBS. 181 

than half my race is run. Lord, let not my sun 
go down in darkness. I look back with shame 
on my past life — my life, natural, religious, and 
ministerial. True, were I to ask others, they 
would say that I had been enabled to walk in a 
way that has brought no disgrace upon the cause 
of Christ. But my own heart condemns me. 
There is no help, no refuge for my guilty soul, 
except at the foot of the mercy-seat. Lord, for- 
give the follies, and the iniquities of all my 
years. 

^' February ^\st, — At home, in my study all 
day, in melancholy musing on the present ap^ 
pearanees in our church. May our hitherto 
united band still be such. My Father, give me, 
I pray thee, wisdom to direct, and grace to sup- 
port me, and teach us all by the Spirit of truth. 
Suffer not the cold, deadly chill of hyper-Calvin- 
istic principles to seize us^ — make us thine ! with 
the spirit of Jesus within us, we cannot, if we 
would, forbear calling sinners lo the love and 
practice of religion. 

• * February 25th. — The cloud gathering over 
us, looks darker and darker. Last evening, at 
our meeting, the four brethren, whom I shall, for 
distinction's sake, call the leaders of the Antino- 
mian party, or who rather are that party, de- 
clared their want of fellowship for the church. 
Whereunto this will lead, I know not. Oh ! 
we have not appreciated the goodness of our 
God ; like Jeshurun, we have waxed fat and 
forgotten the Lord. I am greatly grieved, lest 
some root of bitterness should spring up among 
us, and lessen our love for each other." 
15* 



182 BELA JACOBS. 

On the evening of Thursday, March 10th, 
1826, Mr. Jacobs preached, for the first time, 
at East Cambridge, where he was afterwards to 
be settled. There was then no Baptist church 
in that part of the town, and the meetings were 
held in a school-house. The text, on this occa- 
sion, was from 2 Cor. v. 20. " Now then we 
are ambassadors for Christ, ^c." He has re- . 
corded his heartfelt petition for a blessing to fol-iJ 
low his labors of this evening. 

Little did he or they, suppose, at the time tliis 
first sermon was delivered there, that his last 
sermons — that his last breath, would be theirs 
also. 

The difficulties mentioned in the preceding 
page, gradually subsided. One individual man- 
ifested so much acrimony and bitter feeling, as 
to be excluded; the others remained, pious 
though mistaken members of the church, until 
a later period. 

The year 1827, was a brighter one than had 
been the two preceding. During its progress, 
Mr. Jacobs baptized eighty-three persons ; and 
when he had been, by a painful accident, pre- 
vented from personally officiating at this ordi- 
nance, he had still the pleasure of admitting 
others to his church, through the medium of his 
assistant, the Rev. Mr. Wyer, of Savannah, at 
that time spending several months at the north. 
Several others were baptized by the Rev. Mr. 
Cookson. 

'^January \st, 1827. — This year has com- 
menced under circumstances of mercy to myself 
and to my family, and I hope to my dear peo* 



BELA JACOBS. 183 

pie. My church has been carried through some 
painful trials, and there is now a prospect of a 
revival of religion among us. Five individuals 
have declared themselves determined to be 
henceforth on the Lord's side ; and several oth- 
ers are very anxious for their souls' welfare. I 
have been praying that I may devote myself 
anew to the service of the Most High. 1 have 
given myself and my household to the Father 
of our spirits, and would now again implore 
him to receive my offering — my all. He has 
seen fit, in his mercy, to withhold from me this 
world's goods, and I have not wealth to devote 
to his service. I have not a large share of health 
wrherewith to serve him. I have not distinguish- 
ed talents, else would I give them. But I have 
an invaluable soul — ^that is His, for He made 
it. 1 have five precious children — they are his, 
for He gave them to us. O Lord, accept them, 
as their parents' choicest offering, and save them 
for thy great name's sake. Amen, and amen. 

** January X'^th. Saturday Eiuining, — This has 
been a dark day to me : an unusual gloom has 
hung over my mind ; I can scarcely tell why. I 
have reason to know that unpleasant feelings ex- 
ist towards me in the minds of those from whom 
I had a right to expect better things ; but I am 
not conscious of having done wrong ; so far 
from it, 1 am persuaded I have, in those things 
for which I am blamed, done right ; and the end 
will show it to be so. Before my God, I feel 
like a w^orm, and no man ; I loathe myself, and 
repent in dust and ashes ; but with regard to my 
people, I can hold my head erect, and say, lo ! 
I am not unrighteous. I know that their spir- 



184 BELA JACOBS. 

itual good lies nearest to my heart. ' Search 
me, O God, and try my ways.' To thee I ap- 
peal, Oh ! help thou me. 

" January 28tJi. — Preached this morning on the 
whole and the sick ; and this afternoon, from 
Prov. xiii. 15. ' The way of transgressors is hard.* 
I feel deeply interested for the youth of our vil- 
lage. To these I look as the future pillars of 
the church ; if converted in youth, they will have 
a long time to serve the Lord. And there is 
more hope of their becoming religious, than of 
those who have grown old in unconcern about 
sin, and judgment, and eternity. Every Sab- 
bath — every day I say to myself, how great are 
the duties, how peculiar the trials, how serious 
the responsibilities, and how sweet are the joys 
of the minister of Christ ! Let me labor as one 
that must give an account. 

*' Tuesday Evening, February 6th. — A larger 
number present at my inquiry meeting this even- '< 
ing, than usually, but no new cases of conver- 
sion, I believe, among us. Our Congregational 
brethren held a meeting also, and have some in- 
quirers. Dr. Beecher for the present preaches 
a weekly lecture for them in our house ; they 
expect shortly to form a society, and will, un-' 
doubtedly, build a house. Lord, prosper them, 
and let us all do good, and get good. I feel that 
I, for one, shall rejoice most heartily over every 
soul that is converted, though all should be 
sprinkled, and not one baptized. True, I would 
like to have all Christians follow the Lord Je- 
sus fully ; but I can say sincerely, that though 
I would make most strenuous efforts to have sin- 



BELA JACOBS. 185 

ners made to loathe sin, and love holiness, I 
would do comparatively little, to make men 
Baptists. 

'^February \4,tli. — This afternoon, Mr. 

for whom I have, many a time and oft, prayed in 
secret, that he might be brought to know the 
truth, and who, I was told yesterday, had be- 
come resolved seriously to attend to the con- 
cerns of his soul, called on me to seek advice, 
and instruction. To this man I feel a strong 
attachment; he is deservedly considered one of 
the first men in the place. Should he be brought 
to know the truth, and profess the Lord before 
men, he will doubtless be eminently useful. 
Lord, hear my prayers for my friend, and save 
us both with an everlasting salvation. 

^^ February 20th. — Bless the Lord, oh, my 
soul, that I am privileged to see such a day as 
this in Cambridge. Three young men called 
on me this morning, to relate what they trust the 
Lord has done for their souls ; and this evening 
my study was cheered by the welcome presence 
often young men, weighed down under a sense 
of sin, or rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. 
In all, I have to-day had twenty-four inquirers : 
my soul felt melted under a sense of the good- 
ness of God, and the worth of the ever-living 
soul. 

'' Saturday Evenings 2ith — This has been an 
interesting, laborious week to me ; my hands full 
of labor, my heart full of praise. One man has 
just left my study, under very deep distress ; he 
is one of those sometimes denominated stout- 
hearted, and he has striven greatly to get rid of 



186 EELA JACOBS. 

his impressions; but they are, I hope so well fas. 
tened, that he will not cease to feel deep distress, 
until he shall yield his heart a free offering to the 
Savior, and find pardon and peace in that life- 
giving blood, 

^^Lord^s Day J March 4:tJi, — Have attended four 
meetings to-day ; a vestry meeting in the morn- 
ing, heard Br. Nutter in the forenoon, and 
preached in the afternoon and evening ; in the 
former, from the glorious invitation, Isaiah Iv. 1. 
in the evening, in behalf of the Female Miss. 
Society. Every day discovers something of the 
progress of the good work among us, 1 find my 
hands full of employment, but it is blessed em- 
ployment; the directing anxious souls to the 
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the 
world ; and inculcating the practical truths of 
our holy religion, on those who are eager for in- 
struction, and desirous to conform to the will of 
God, whenever that will is ascertained. 

'' Saturday, March lOth. I find the labors 
of my station very great, ju§t now. During this 
week, I have attended the examination of three 
schools ; one whole day has been devoted to mis- 
sionary business, and I have had a meeting of 
some kind every evening, besides visiting as 
much as I could ; I feel now quite unfit to enter 
on the necessary preparation for the Sabbath. 
While a minister's heart is encouraged by a re* 
viva! of religion among his flock, the increased 
labor attendant on an excited state of feeling, 
and his own great, sometimes almost overwhelm- 
ing anxiety, wear down his strength. However, 
he may as well die in his pulpit as any where. 



EELA JACOBS. 187 

*' Wednesday^ March 21sf. — Formed a Sab- 
bath School Society in our congregation. My 
people seem greatly interested in the measure, 
and with reason ; the lambs of the flock are to 
be our chief care. May the blessing of the Lord 
rest on this Society, and on the school under its 
patronage. The vestry this evening w^as crowd- 
ed to overflowing ; such is the thirst for having 
the word of life. Momentous responsibility! to 
teach souls the way to heaven. Well might an 
angel quail before it. Lord, what am I, but 
dust? Still, I would feel that I can do all things 
if Christ be with me ; and will he not * be with 
me alway, even to tlie end 1 ' 

'' Lord's Day, March 25th. — This day will, I 
think, be long remembered ; it has been one of 
peculiar interest to us. In the morning, I bap- 
tised, in the view of a vast multitude, eleven 
persons ; six men, and five women, mostly 
young persons. 

!t is pleasant to receive whole households at 
once, believing as did the jailer's of old, and 
being baptized straightway ; I had an instance 
of the sort to-day. A man, his wife, her broth- 
er^ and her mother, all on a profession of faith in 
the Savior, were baptized ' in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' 
Two promising young men, brothers, were also 
among the candidates. 

'' March 3Qth. — Nine individuals offered them- 
selves to the church this evening. Such seasons 
as these, I have been wishing, hoping, and pray- 
ing to see ; and now that our Heavenly Father 
has blessed us so greatly, I feel that I am not so 



188 BELA JACOBS. 

filled with grateful emotions as I should be ; still 
I do rejoice exceedingly, though with trembling ; 
it is a solemn, as well as a joyful thing, to see 
souls beginning the Christian race. May these 
dear converts all run well, and at last be crown- 
ed in the world where there is no longer danger 
of sinning. 

** April \st^ — A day of toil, but it is pleasant 
toil ; and I hope it has not been in vain. Ev- 
ery Sabbath gives evidence that the work of 
the Lord is progressing among us. I preached 
in the morning, from the story of the penitent 
woman, Luke vii. 50. I have since learned 
that this was blessed to one woman, who had 
long been seeking. Mr. Nutter preached in the 
afternoon, and I at five in the almshouse, and 
again at seven in the meeting-house. O Lord, 
the work of our hands, establish thou it. 

" Wednesday ^ April 4th.'— A very interesting 
meeting at the vestry. Five new converts spoke, 
addressing their fellow youth with great ear- 
nestness and affection. When I see these young 
men coming thus, I feel high hopes, and also 
great fears. Hopes for their future usefulness, 
and for the prosperity of Zion ; hopes that they 
may be the means of spreading the gospel to 
multitudes, who shall at last be saved by the 
power of the mighty Redeemer ; fears, lest any 
of them should be self-deceived, and bring a re- 
proach on the cause I love. Blessed Savior, 
keep them near to thee. 

'* Lord''s Day, April 8th, — A good day. I 
baptized thirteen at noon, seven men, and six 
women. Among them, were one gray-headed 



BELA JACOBS. 189 

man, of sixty, one man and his wife, and the 

L 's, twin brothers : how close is the union 

of these brothers, bound together by every tie 
of nature and of grace. Long may they live to 
love God and each other, and to bless the 
church. Five of the candidates were of one 
name, Hovey, I felt it a solemn time, when I 
offered to these persons, on behalf of the church, 
the right hand of fellowship. Much feeling, was 
exhibited in the assembly ; but more this even- 
ing during my discourse on the joy of angels 
over the repentance of sinners. I sometimes feel 
as if I could say, ' Lord, now lettest thou thy ser- 
vant depart, for mine eyes have seen thy salva- 



16 



CHAPTER XI. 



YEAR 1827 CONTINUED A JOURNEY COMMENC- 
ED, WHICH WAS INTERRUPTED BY AN ACCI 
DENT KINDNESS RECEIVED AT THIS PERIOD 



*' Jlpril lith, — This week has been more fruit- 
ful of coHversions than any previous one. Some 
stout hearts begin to feel, and some stubborn wilJs 
are bending beneath the influence of the Spirit of 
God : my study is thronged more than ever with 
inquirers ; and my heart, by no means satisfied 
with what T have ah*eady experienced, pours it- 
self forth in supplication to the Father of all j 
mercies, for yet greater manifestations of His ! 
power in the conversion of souls. I am very 

solicitous regarding Mr. S , year after year 

he has listened to the preached word; time after 
time I have conversed with him on the concerns 
of his soul, and, though he is an attentive and 
respectful hearer, his secret heart seems resolv- 
ed not to yield to his Savior. Lord, hear my 
prayer for him, and suffer him not yet again to 
say, * Go thy way for this time,' lest he should 
never have that convenient season for which he 
waits. 



BELA JACOBS. 191 

'' April 25ify^.— The General Board for For- 
eign Missions held its annual meeting to-day, 
^ in Boston. Mr. Yates, one of the English mis- 
sionaries from Calcutta, preached an excellent 
sermon on the occasion : Br. Yates returned with 
me to pass the evening, and assist at my con- 
ference meeting, which we hold now in the 
meeting-house, the vestry being quite too strait 
for us: we had a large assembly, and great in* 
terest was manifested. It is very pleasant to see 
such numbers of young men flocking to the 
standard of the Prince of Peace. 

" May 4:th, — A most interesting church meet- 
ing ; what made it particularly so, was the return 
of a man who had been excluded : he came for- 
ward, confessed his guilt, and was restored; 
and several others, whom he had enlisted on 
his side, made humble acknowledgments. Af- 
ter which, we sung the Union hymn, with the 
spirit and the understanding of it, I think. 

*' Tuesday Evening, May I5th. — Have had 
thirty inquirers to-day ; some deeply inpressed ; 
among them, one lady who has sat under Unita- 
rian preaching, and who, under my discourse 
last Lord^s-day evening, found herself a stony- 
ground hearer. May she yet rejoice in hope of 
the glory of God. I count as nothing, the easily 
wrought feelings of many children in the schools ; 
though in some of the schools the excitement 
seems to be almost general, it is nothing perma- 
nent or valuable; yet, though great pains have 
been taken to prevent any thing which should 
tend to work upon the passions, there is, in 
every revival, something of it. On earth, there 



192 BELA JACOBS. 

is always some alloy with the gold. Lord, pu- 
rify us, and make us reasonable, enlightened 
Christians. We have received nineteen since 
April 15th; (one month.) Last Sabbath was a 
lovely day ; the water clear and still ; the can- 
didates calm and serene, and the numerous spec- 
tators as solemn as eternity. There is one cir- 
cumstance attending the present revival, rather , 
pecuhar ; a majority of the converts are men ; 
and this sex is usually less inclined to religious ' 
thought, and a religious life than the other. It 
is pleasing to welcome to the church, as we have 
done, young men in the bloom of life, from sev- 
enteen to twenty-five and thirty. ' Gloria tibi 
Domine ! ' 

'^ May 2l5^ — To-day was laid the corner- 
stone of a new Baptist meeting-house in this 
town, at what is termed Lechmere Point, about 
two miles from this village. The Orthodox Con- 
gregationalists have also commenced building in 
the village. May the blessing of the Lord at- 
tend these undertakings, and fill both these 
houses with pious worshippers. 

** May 21th. — An interesting day to this 
church. I tendered the hand of Christian and 
church-fellowship to twenty-five individuals ; 
eleven of them I baptized to-day, the others 
since the last communion ; among them, Mr. 

, about whom, previous to his conversion, I 

had felt so much solicitude, and his wife. Oh, 
that this work might go on, until hundreds shall 
be brought in. Br. Lincoln preached in the 
morning, Br. B. Sears in the evening. And now 
how should my heart overflow in gratitude to my 



BELA JACOBS. 193 

Heavenly Parent, who has so richly answered 
my prayers. Can I, can my peopie ever forget 
the goodness of the Lord, and how he has led us 
in mercy, and prospered us, and blessed us with 
every blessing ? 

^^ June 24^^. — I preached this afternoon, and 
gave the fellowship to ten persons whom I bap- 
tized last Sabbath; after which, we partook of 
the supper of the Lord. At six, I preached to 
the poor in the alms-house, on 'the strait and 
narrow way that leads to life/ I felt to-day 
more than usual, as I pronounced those touch- 
ing words of our Savior, * Do this in remembrance 
of me.' And do we, O our Redeemer, do we 
need to be put in remembrance of thee ? do we 
need this solemn rite, returning statedly to re- 
mind us of our crucified and risen Lord 1 Yes, 
Lord, we do forget thee; well, for us, that thou 
rememberest thy church, feeble, and unworthy 
as its members are, with a love that needs no 
quickening. We do indeed rejoice that there is 
no danger of thy forgetting any, even the weak- 
est of thy saints. 

*' Sunday, July \st. — Preached and bap- 
tized for Br. Leverett, who is in rather feeble 
health. Appointed a lecture in Brookline for 
Tuesday evening. There will, before long, be 
a Baptist church in Brookline. The Lord is 
our hope ; and may we ever feel resolved, lean- 
ing on his arm, to do what is right, not caring 
what man can do unto us. 

*' July 9th. — Preached at the court-house in 
Old Cambridge, from 2 Cor. v. 20. To-day our 
meeting-house has been sawed in two, and one 
16* 



194 BELA JACOBS. 

part moved back twenty-three feet, that a piece 
may be inserted, to give room to our increased 
cono^reoration : trulv, sreat thinors have been 
done for us, whereof we are glad. 

^^ July 15th, — Had to-day the novel sight of 
two congregations before me. The outside of 
the house is covered, and the lower floor laid; 
all the stagings are standing, and I could see 
my singers at a distance, by peeping through 
the beams. My text was from Isaiah liv. 2 ; 
* Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them 
stretch forth the curtains of thy habitation ; 
lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.' 
Br. Knowles preached for me in the evening, on 
Christian liberty. 

'' LorcVs'clay^ July 22d, — The anniversary of 
my settlement in Cambridge. Nine years ago, 
I was publicly installed as pastor of this church. 
What mingled emotions of wonder, joy, sorrow, 
and shame, does a review of these past years excite. 
If I think of the mercies of the Most High to- 
wards me, what cause have I for gratitude and 
praise; if I think of myself, what cause for hu- 
mility and shame ! ^ Oh, enter not into judgment 
with thy servant, but be merciful in thine ex- 
ceeding great mercy.' Br. Wyer preached this 
morning: I baptized nine persons, and preached 
in the afternoon from ' My kingdom is not of 
this world.' In the evening, Br. W. took my 
place at home, and I rode to Brookline, and ad- 
dressed some attentive hearers from Prov. viii. 
35, 3o. ' Whoso findeth me, findeth life.' 

** In August, I took a journey for my health, 
intending to visit the Springs ; but, on the second 



BELA JACOBS. 195 

day after leaving home, I was upset in the stage- 
coach in Rockingham, Vt., and my left arm was 
crushed under the coach. My friends, Deacon 
and Mrs. Farwell, came up for us in their private 
carriage, and brought us home, my arm being in 
five pieces : although I was supported by pil- 
lows and cushions, I felt every stone, and every 
roughness in the road, very acutely. With this 
painful affliction I was laid up three months. 
But the Lord in his abounding mercy, has not 
only spared my life, but preserved to me my 
limb, though it is a crippled one. His name be 
praised. 

'' The special work of grace among us has 
ceased, after bringing, as we hope, about one 
hundred to the knowledge of the truth : more 
than ninety have been baptized, and united to 
our church. This is the Lord's doings, and 
marvellous in our eyes. 

B. Jacobs, Nov. 20th, 1827." 

The health of Mr. Jacobs had been failing 
under the pressure of labor attendant on the 
state of feeling among his people. It could not 
be otherwise ; although he had much assistance 
in preaching, yet, as pastor of the church, his 
heart and mind, every energy, in short, of soul 
and body, were in constant action. He had, for 
many months, preached three times a week, 
had baptized as often as once a month, and per- 
formed all the other numerous duties, which can 
never be entirely transferred to an assistant. By 
the end of July he was quite worn down, and 
yielded, though not unreluctantly, to the solicita- 



196 BELA JACOBS. 

tions of his friends, that he should leave home 
for some weeks, and, dismissing care and labor, 
should attend only to the recovery of his health. 
Mrs. Jacobs, who accompanied him on this 
journey, was severely bruised, but not otherwise j 
injured, by the overturning of the coach. It ' 
was just a fortnight from the time he left home, 
before he returned again, not merely feeble as 
before, but suffering greatly from asthma, and 
the pain of his broken limb. The fracture was 
a very bad one, and his recovery slow. He had, 
while at the village where the accident occurred, 
(Bellows Falls) received the greatest attention 
from the inhabitants of that place ; the ladies 
sending every delicacy which could tempt the 
appetite, or conduce to the comfort of the inva- 
lids. They were, indeed, treated as friends 
rather than as strangers, having no claim except 
that which misfortune gave them. 

His physician at home deciding that a removal 
must take place immediately, or be postponed 
for months, it was determined by all the friends 
of Mr. Jacobs, that it would be best for him to 
be brought home at once, by easy stages ; and 
Mr. Farwell, of Cambridge, set off directly for 
Rockingham with the intention of bringing back 
his friend and pastor, should a removal be found 
at all practicable. *' We came very quietly into 
Cambridge/' says Mrs. Jacobs, ^' avoiding the 
main street, intending, if possible, to get home 
and have the physicians called, without its being 
generally known that we had returned. How- 
ever, just as we entered * Professors' Row,' we 
saw one whom we knew, who immediately set 



BELA JACOBS. 



197 



off on a run in another direction, and by the 
lime we reached home, the house was half full 
of friends eager to see us." 

Indeed, nothing could exceed the kindness of 
the friends of Mr. Jacobs during this confine- 
ment ; one of his family counted seventy, who 
called in one day to inquire about him. Mrs. 
Jacobs was, soon after her return, very sick of a 
fever, and utiable to nurse her husband, who re- 
quired the almost undivided attention of some 
one. One of his children was appointed to the 
coveted post, and for two months, waited on 
him constantly, as he was so helpless as to be 
unable even to dress himself 

From this injury, he was so far recovered in 
October, as to be able to preach once on a Sab- 
bath, by using the precaution of having his arm 
enclosed in a tin case. His hand was, however, 
always a little stiff. During this month, he lost 
a valuable friend ; Mrs. Corey, of Brookline. He 
preached at her funeral on the 24th October, 
from a text selected by the deceased, " Prepare 
to meet thy God." 

From this time, till the beginning of the year 
1830, Mr. Jacobs kept no regular diary. He 
suffered much during these two years, from 
asthma, and had one severe attack of fever, 
which laid him aside from preaching for nearly 
two months. He was able, however, to preach 
one hundred and sixty-seven times, and he has 
recorded the names of thirteen individuals bap- 
tized ; six to join his church at home, the oth- 
ers in Roxbury and Brookline. The (bllowing 
is his summary of the years 1828 and 1829, 



198 BELA JACOBS. 

*^ Friday, January \st, 1830. — Another year 
has commenced its calls for gratitude to the Giv- 
er of every good gift. During the two years 
past, I have kept no diary. My mind has, in 
this tinie, been variously affected; but I have, 
for the most part, reason to mourn on account of 
my own sinfulness and barrenness ; my church, 
too, has undergone a wintry season, nor is it yet 
over ; we have many painful trials ; some of our 
members are leaving us, because they think us 
not sufficiently evangelical in doctrine ; or rath-i 
er, perhaps, because the pastor preaches so fre-j 
quently to sinners, entreating and persuading] 
them to become reconciled to God ; and because* 
he addresses the common sense of men, and in- 
sists so strongly on practical godliness. Oh, 
Jesus, my Lord, thou Savior of sinners, give me 
more of thy spirit, that I may feel more deeply 
for the impenitent, and strive more and more 
and MORE, to advance thy saints in purity and 
holiness. Oh ! give me the wisdom of the ser- 
pent, and the harmlessness of the dove. 

*^ When I look at my own unprofitableness, I . 
am amazed at the forbearing goodness of theH 
Lord. I might well have been considered a 
cumberer of the ground ; and 'tis mercy that has 
plead, ' Let him alone yet another year/ ** 



! 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE YEARS 1830, '32 DEATH OF MR. WESTON* 

A REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN CAMBRIDGE. 



*' Monday Morning, January Sd, 1830. — Yes- 
terday preached to a large congregation, who 
were induced to attend by the fineness of the 
weather, and the circumstance of its being the 
first Sabbath in the year. I gave them a New- 
Year's sermon in the afternoon— subject, the 
end of time. Oh, that it may be blessed to the 
consciences of some of the careless ones who 
heard it. 

** To-day is observed by our churches as a 
season of special prayer ; the morning is to be 
devoted to secret and family prayer, and the rest 
of the day to social worship. O Lord, give 
me this morning of thy good Spirit, and make my 
study a perfect Bethel to me ; may I have the 
welfare of my dear family and flock resting ever 
on my heart. 

** We have had a very interesting meeting ; 
a goodly number out, and a great deal of ardent 
devotion manifested. I hope it may be the be- 
ginning of good times among us. Surely, God 
is a hearer of prayer, and he will bestow a 



200 BELA. JACOBS. 

blessing on those who diligently seek him. I 
hope that our night is far spent, and that the 
morning is near." 

The two following extracts are from loose pa- 
pers found in his desk. 

*' There is not in the whole Bible, filled as it 
is with the most sublime imagery, any thing 
finer than the description of the mighty angel in 
the first chapter of Revelation. A mighty angel 
comes down from heaven, his vesture is a cloud, 
his face shines with the insufferable blaze of the 
meridian sun ; while a rainbow, fit emblem of 
God's faithfulness to his covenant engagement, 
encircles his head. His feet are pillars of fire, 
indicating at once immoveable firmness and re- 
sistless power. His posture is such as becomes 
his august appearance and solemn errand ; he 
sets his feet, the one on the earth, and the other 
on the sea, and cries with a loud voice like a 
lion's roar, while seven thunders in responsive 
echo utter their voices. The attention of the 
whole creation being thus deeply fixed, this 
glorious personage, in the manner of those who 
appeal to God, lifts up his hand, and swears 
• Time shall be no longer.' " 

'^ Some physicians, and many friends refuse 
to admit the ambassador of Christ to the cham- 
bers of the sick, lest his visit should shorten 
their days. This is as cruel towards the patient, 
as it is absurd in itself. Can a reference to 
God, and an imploring of his blessing, shorten 
the life which God holds in his hands ? Of 
course, a proper degree of prudence should be 
used ; the sick man's room should not be thrown 



BELA JACOBS. 



201 



open to every one, and the visitants should be 
very discreet. But, that the gently leading the 
sick and dying person to God, and imploring 
the blessing of Heaven on the means used for 
his recovery, or commending him, if he must 
die, to the mercy of that Being, who can fit him 
for the better world — that this has a tendency to 
shorten life, is not true. Prayer is one of the 
means appointed and blessed by God. But too 
often we are not called until the physician has 
left : he gives over his patient into the hands of 
the minister : how can we hope to be of use at 
this late period ? we enter the chamber, where 
the man is in the stupor or delirium of death ; 
we can do little more than offer up a weeping 
prayer, committing him to God, who judgeth 
righteously, and go away, sad and mourning 
over the ruin which sin has produced. On the 
other hand, if a man, after having been very 
sick, is restored to health again, what a precious 
opportunity for impressing on his attention the 
concerns of his soul, has been denied to the 
faithful minister; in the solitude of a sick room, 
he might have been induced to think of that 
God, whose laws, while in health, and amid the 
bustle of the world, he had disregarded ; but 
the erring kindness of his friends deprived him 
of this means of grace, and he is again im- 
mersed in the pleasures and business of life, 
and death and eternity are not in any of his 
thoughts," 

'' January 6//i, 1830. — I have abundant rea- 
son for gratitude with regard to my health. It 
is now more than three months since I have had 
17 



202 



BELA JACOBS. 



a fit of asthma. I can sleep in bed every night, 
can preach three times a week, attend a Bible 
Class, and visit with ease and comfort to myself 
This is pleasant to me, and to my people : may 
it be beneficial to them, by enabling me to labor 
more constantly for their improvement. Oh ! 
Lord, may many of these souls so dear to me, 
who have not heretofore thought of God and 
heaven, and the world to come, be this year in- 
duced to give their hearts to the Savior. My 
Father, my prayer is before thee ! Oh ! reject it 
not. 

'* February 9th. — Forty-four years have 
been the days of my life; during twenty-seven 
of them, I have been a professed follower of Je- 
sus, following, alas, afar off; and, tremendous 
thought, 1 have for twenty years or more, been a 
minister of the gospel : how unfaithful have I 
been to my divine Master ! how remiss in Chris-j 
tian duty! how many precious opportunities 
warning sinners to flee from the wrath to come,^ 
have I let pass unimproved. Most merciful' 
Father, forgive my sins, and fill my heart whh 
thy love, that I may more earnestly strive * to 
bless my kind.' And in all coming years, if 
years shall yet be mine, let me, soul and body, 
be consecrated to thee, and to thy Zion. And 
now, O thou who givest all good things, hear 
I pray thee, the prayer of thy servant, while 1 
implore thy mercy on my children. The peti- 
tion of Abraham is mine. ' Oh that they may 
live before thee,' live Christians here, and at last 
live saints, glorified and pure at thy right hand, 
forever. 



is-l 
off 



BELA JACOBS. 203 

*^ March 6th, — I have been reading a por- 
tion of the Memoirs of Pearce. How would 
I fain imitate him, and yet when I compare my 
own life with his, I am ready to weep over my 
pride and passion, and sinful feelings of every 
kind. However, I trust I love his meekness, 
his love unfeigned, his zeal, &/C., and grieve on 
account of all my own wanderings from the right 
way. 

' Should I grieve for what I feel, 
If I did not love at all 7 ' " 

Mr. Jacobs' health was generally good during 
this year : he preached about one hundred ser- 
mons in his own pulpit, and baptized nine per- 
sons : he also preached at various times in Bos- 
ton, Lowell, Framingham, Beverly, Hingham, 
Woburn, and other places in the vicinity of Cam- 
bridge. 

"Lord's Bay Morn. July 3^, 1831.— While 
at breakfast, we were confounded with the aw- 
ful news, that Br. Weston is dead : he was 
drowned yesterday, while on his way to Nashua, 
where he w^as to preach. He was accompanied 
by his brother-in-law, Dea. B.,of Lynn. They 
drove into a pond for the purpose of refreshing 
the horse, and before they were aware of it, they 
were in deep water. Br. W. not knowing how 
to swim, sank and rose no more. His body was 
found in forty minutes ; but oh ! the spirit had 
fled. Never did I more fully realise the force 
of the Savior's declaration, ' Ye know not the 
day nor the hour, when the Son of Man may 



204 



EELA JACOBS. 



come.' And never did I feel so fully the impor- 
tance of taking to myself the warning of my 
Master, and of raising the monitory cry to all 
around, ^ Be ye also ready.' He was very ten- 
derly loved by all his ministering brethren, but 
to me he was peculiarly dear. His pastoral life 
had been spent in this town, as minister of the - 
second church here ; and we had been in hab- 
its of constant and friendly intercourse. He had 
just been dismissed here, and was to assume the 
pastoral care of another church : he was to-day 
to have announced to them his compliance with 
their request. But his Master said to him, * Come 
up higher.^ He was a man of superior mind, 
and the most ardent piety. ' I am distressed 
for thee, my brother, very pleasant hast thou been 
unto me.' 

''July Ath. — This day, usually devoted to 
mirth and festivity, has been to me filled with 
sorrow and heart-rending grief I went to Lynn 
to attend the funeral of my lamented friend, Br. 
Weston. Dr. Sharp preached from Lam. iii. 
33. ' The Lord doth not afflict willingly, nor 
grieve the children of men ; a subject well 
calculated to assuage the grief of an afflicted 
family and a large circle of mourning friends. 
Br. VV. was but thirty-five years of age, a man 
whose superior I do not know ; his heart was 
warm with love to God, and burning with zeal 
to do his Master's work, and call sinners to re- 
pentance. He has left a widow and five chil- 
dren to mourn their unutterable loss. O God ! 
be thou their Judge, their Father, and their 
Friend. And may I be awakened by this prov- 



BELA JACOBS. 205 

idence to greater diligence, and devotedness to my 
work. I have passed the noon of life ; let me 
work till the sun goes down, knowing that, of a 
surety, the night is to me near at hand." 

Mr. Jacobs preached to his people, on the 
death of his dear friend, Mr. Weston, from that 
singularly appropriate text, *' And Enoch walk- 
ed with God, and he was not, for God took him." 

The text and the remarks made in the course 
of this sermon, with reference to Mr. Weston, 
are quite as applicable to Mr. Jacobs himself; 
an extract or two, will sufficiently show this. 

*' While he walked below, he had his heart 
in heaven. He went forth to meet his God, as 
Adam was wont to do in his days of innocence ; 
he walked — there is a force and beauty in this 
expression, it implies a progress — a going for- 
ward in holiness. 

** To Enoch, how sudden was the transition 
from darkness to light, from sin to perfect holi- 
ness, from earth to heaven. Strikingly similar, 
it seems to me, has been the exit of our lament- 
ed Weston. Almost in a moment, from perfect 
health and the promise of life, he was removed 
to heaven. He and his companion went on their 
way, talking of heaven, and eternal things, and 
suddenly * he was not, for God took him.' 

*' The striking incidents in the regular rou- 
tine of a pastor's life are but few, and especially 
in the silent and unostentatious course of our 
brother ; there was nothing to attract the gazer 
or fix the attention of the multitude ; but it is 
to me delightful to dwell on the traits of his 
charming character. As a man, a companion, 
17* 



206 EELA JACOBS. 

and friend, there was much in him to admire, 
and more to love. He was a man of no ordina- 
ry talent, and his mind was enriched with vari- 
ous reading. There was ahout him nothing 
which bore the slightest appearance of an arro- 
gant or assuming spirit : he was modest, almost 
to a fault. 

*' During several years of close intimacy with 
him, I never saw exhibited the least jealousy or 
bitterness of spirit. The law of kindness was 
in his heart. He loved all good men, and was 
in return ardently beloved. 

*' As a preacher, he was a scribe well in- 
structed ; but above all, the holy unction with 
which he was endowed, rendered him an able 
minister of the New Testament. The truths of 
the gospel had a powerful hold upon his heart : 
he believed, and therefore spake. The burden 
of his preaching was the vital part of the gos- 
pel, experimental and practical godliness. He 
loved to exhibit Christ crucified as the Way, 
the Truth, and the Life ; he loved to call on 
sinners to be reconciled to God, and he urged, 
w^th powerful pathos, upon Christian professors, 
the discharge of their high and holy duties. 
Never shall I forget, and never should you, my 
brethren, with what zeal and earnestness he 
once addressed you, from that solemn declara- 
tion, * Wo to them that are at ease in Zion.' 

^' Religion to him was more than matter of 
speculation ; it was the dealing of the spirit with 
its Maker, and the object at stake was an im- 
mortal soul. He considered every thing con- 
nected with the salvation of the soul, as serious 



BELA JACOBS. 207 

as eternity ; a deep seriousness, therefore, rested 
on him, and pervaded every thing in which he 
was engaged. 

' He would not stoop 
To conquer those by jocular exploits. 
Whom truth and soberness assailed in vain : 
No ! he was serious in a serious cause, 
And understood too well the mighty terms, 
That he had taken in charge.' 

*' But it was as a Christian, that our dear de- 
parted brother shone as a star of the first mag- 
nitude ; his was no meteor light, but he was like 
those fixed, and stationary orbs, which are al- 
ways there, and always shining. His piety, 
though ardent, was stable, and consistent ; and 
never did I see a man, who, in my judgment, 
came nearer to the words of our text, ' He walked 
with God ; ' and should he ever have a stone to 
tell where he lies, may this be his epitaph ; ' He 
walked with God, and he was not, for God took 
him.' 

^^ July 16th. — Mj heavenly Father seems 
to be calling me by the visitations of his 
providence^ and chastising me for my good. Oh ! 
let me fall down with submission and penitence 
before Him. My eldest child is sick with a 
fever. Oh ! in mercy restore her to me, and 
sanctify this sickness to her, and to her father, 
for the good of the souls of both. 

''Jul2/22d. — Attended a minister's meeting 
in Roxbury this week ; but did not enjoy it 
much, as my own health was not good, and I 
had left my child sick at home. Smile on me, 
my Father, and afflict me not more heavily than 



208 EELA JACOBS. 

I can bear. With us, as a church, things are 
both discouraging and encouraging. We have 
been obliged to exclude one or two of our mem- 
bers this week, and the church is very far from 
the state in which I would like to see it. On 
the other hand, two young ladies of our congre- 
gation have just returned from school, who 
give evidence of a change ; and I have heard 
of a lady in town, who has just indulged a hope. 
Thanks to the Lord for all his mercies. 

'' Lord's Day, July^^ih. — I have lately made 
a proposal to the members of the church, to 
spend a portion of every day in secret prayer 
for the revival of religion among us. I preach' 
ed this morning to backsliding Christians, from 
David's prayer, Ps. li. 10 — 16. And in the after- 
noon, on the hatefulness of sin, Jer. xliv. 4. 
* Oh ! do not this abominable thing that I hate.' 
My oldest boy is sick with fever. Thank God, S. 
is a little better. Heaven be merciful to my 
son also. O Lord, my children are thine; but 
lend them to me, if it be thy holy pleasure, a 
little longer. We must all soon, at the farthest, 
leave the earth ; may it be to dwell, all of us, 
with thee forever. 

'^ Lords Day, January \st, 1832.^ — By the 
mercy of God, I am yet alive. I trust it has not 
been without feeling, that I have entered on this 
new year. I have earnestly prayed that it may 
indeed be a new year, and not like the years 
we have lately seen, of coldness and spiritual 
drought. I have looked into my own heart, 
and oh ! how cold and insensible — on the past 
years of my life, and how sad the review. God 



1 



EELA JACOBS. 209 

of my life, I come to thee. Bless me, even me, 
I pray thee, and permit me to be of some use 
in this thy world. 1 have felt a great deal to- 
day in addressing the congregation on the open- 
ing of the year, especially this afternoon, where 
I preached to the beloved youth of my flock, 
from that most touching query of Almighty God, 
' Wilt thou not from this time, cry unto me, my 
father, thou art the guide of my youth.' Most 
merciful Lord, let not this be all in vain, I en- 
treat thee.'' 

This sermon was not without the effect for 
which Mr. Jacobs had prayed. In one instance 
he had thepleasureof knowing that hislabors that 
day had not been entirely ineffectual. One dear 
youth went to him the next morning, and said, 
*' Sir, I have taken God for mi/ father, and the 
guide of my youth." Ample reward for the toils 
of a life, to be the instrument of turning one 
soul from supreme love of the things of the 
earth, to high and holy resolves of making moral 
and religious truth the chief objects of re- 
gard. 

'^ Monday^ January 2d. — To-day is observed 
by our church, in this state, as a day of special 
prayer : I have been looking forward to it with 
a great deal of solicitude. I had hoped and 
prayed that the members of the churches would 
generally assemble, and that they might meet 
in the spirit of love, and union, and with a dis- 
position to pray earnestly for a blessing from 
Him, who alone can bless. But I must confess, 
it has far exceeded my expectations. It has 
been a blessed day ; our hearts have been com- 



210 BELA JACOBS. 

forted and enlarged. A larger number attended 
than was anticipated, and more feeling was ex- 
hibited than I have seen for months. At the 
close of the missionary meeting in the evening, 
the brethren came forward and requested me to 
appoint a series of religious meetings. It was 
finally agreed that we should hold a protracted 
meeting ; the series to commence on Wednes- 
day evening, the 6th instant, and to continue 
until Sunday evening. I enter upon this with 
an unutterable degree of fear and trembling. 
Most holy Lord, let nothing be done offensive to 
thee, but lead us aright, and bless us ; convert 
souls, and thine shall be the glory. — Amen. 

** Lord^s Day Eve, Sth. — The meetings are 
over, and the season has been a happy one. 
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not any of 
his benefits. Many are inquiring the way to 
Zion, and several are rejoicing in hope. The 
cloud appears to be gathering, to shed on us a 
copious shower. May we lift up pure hands 
and hearts ! 

*' January l^tli. — At an inquiry meeting at 
my house, this evening, had the pleasure of 
meeting twenty persons, among whom were 
some of my own dear children, weighed down 
under the burden of conscious guilt : the Lord 
lead their precious souls to repose on the 
kind arm of their Savior. Certainly, things 
look encouraging among us. Had I been told, a 
fortnight ago, that in two short weeks I should 
have twenty inquirers, and that at the same time 
the members of the church would assemble in 
crowds to pray, I should have been almost tempt-* 



BELA JACOBS. 211 

ed to say in the words of one of old, * If the 
Lord should make windows in heaven, might this 
thing be.' The Lord has made wmdows in 
heaven, and is pouring us out a blessing, rich 
and various. May our hearts overflow with 
gratitude. 

*' Saturday Evening^ l^th. — This has been a 
week of deep interest to myself and to my peo- 
ple. I scarcely meet any one on whose face I 
do not perceive a solemnity resting, like a shad- 
ow cast by the eternal world. 

"Among the eight or ten who have cherished 

hope this week, is . No richer blessing 

would I ask, than that my children may be truly 
pious ; but in this case, I rejoice with trembling. 
His youth, and the sad example of some who 
gave us hope in a former revival, make me fear- 
ful. But the Lord is able to keep this little 
lamb, and if he indeed belong to the fold, the 
great Shepherd will carry him safely through all 
the way. 

" Tuesday Evening^ 17th. — It is too much ; 
'tis more than I can bear. Two more of my 
own beloved children have, to-day, told me that 
they believe they have given their hearts to the 
Savior. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never, 
never forget such benefits as these. I dedicated 
them to thee from their birth ; they have now, 
personally renewed the vows their father made 
for them. Lord, seal them with thine own Spir- 
it, thine forever. 

*' January 24:th. — In my daily visits, I can 
discover a deep seriousness iri every family, and 
some individuals evidently feel deeply : much 



212 



BELA JACOBS. 



feeling is shown by the children of the Sabbath 
school, and the young people in my Bible class; 
for these we have been anxiously praying, and 
God is now answering us by sending his holy 
Spirit. But shall the parents be left behind? I 
have felt, for the week past, very deeply for heads 
of fimilies, especially for fathers and husbands. 
Most merciful Father, give me, I pray thee, a 
more prayerful spirit for these: may I never cease 
wrestlinop untd the blessinoj is obtained. 

*^ January 28th. — The interesting work is 
still going on, but I have discovered nothing 
new during the past week. I conversed to-day 
with two children in one family, who seem to 
feel deeply on the subject of religion ; the Lord 
give them a child's best portion, a new heart. 

^^ A trifling circumstance that occurred this 
week, and which I learned had produced a good 
deal of hard feeling towards me, in the minds of 
one family, has grieved me much to-day ; but I 
was enabled to carry it to a throne of grace, 
that best resort for the grieved heart. I went 
to see the family, and, having talked the subject 
over, we together bowed before God, and thus 
happily settled it. Oh ! that I could ever imitate 
the meekness of the blessed Redeemer, and be 
willing, like Paul, to endure all things for the 
elect's sake. 

'' Lord^ S'day ^ January 29th. — This has been 
to me a very solemn day ; and while at the table 
of the Lord, I could but think of the striking 
difference which one month has made in our 
prospects : a view of this quite overcame me, 
and, for a while, prevented utterance. I thought 



BELA JACOBS. 213 

too, of my own dear family; truly, I may ex- 
claim, ' What hath God wrought.' ¥/hile ma- 
ny of our people appear glad with all joy, and 
without showing much anxiety or care, 1 must 
confess that I weep very frequently over those 
even, whom I believe the Lord has truly con- 
verted. I see so many struggles in prospect for 
them, so much sin still to be subdued ; and then, 
on myself, I behold laid such a weight of re- 
sponsibility, that I tremble both for them and 
for myself I don't know if all pastors feel as I 
do ; but when I think of the bare possibility of 
a word or act of mine influencing an immortal 
soul to its own undoing, 1 shudder from head to 
foot, and cry aloud, as in distress, to Him who is 
mighty to save. 

** Wednesday , February 1st, — A new month 
has commenced, and I pray that it may be 
as much blessed as its predecessor. Dear 
Br. Warne preached for me this evening, on the 
answer to the great question, 'What shall 1 do to 
be saved ? ' after which, I held an inquiry meet- 
ing, with a large number present. I have felt to- 
day rather indifferent ; I am tired, both body and 
mind, and have not enjoyed that fervor of spirit 
and pleasure in devotion, which it is at some- 
times my privilege, and at all times my duty to 
feel. The state of feeling is about the same 
with us ; the young, being principally the sub- 
jects of the work. Oh ! that I could see stout- 
hearted men, and those bowed down, and with 
grey hairs, giving their thoughts to that eternity, 
amid whose realities they will be so soon. 

'^February llth. — Saturday evening. An in- 
18 



214 BELA JACOBS. 

teresling week has gone to bear its sealed ac- 
count to the courts of heaven. Some of the 
things connected with this revival, almost con- 
found me ; but I would not limit the Holy One 
of Israel, nor dare prescribe the manner in which 
the operations of the Spirit should take place. 
Seven or eight, during the past week, have ob- 
tained a hope ; and, what has been the crowning 

of this mercy to me, my is among them. 

What shall I render to the Lord, for all his ben- 
efits to me and mine. Four of my little band of 
five — I cannot sufficiently adore the Giver of 
such unspeakable gifts. I think I do feel much 
gratitude and joy for the mercies of this year ; 
and I am, I believe, ready to live, and willing to 
die, so as I may best serve the Lord. But, on 
the whole, I am less delighted, or rather less ex- 
cited to ecstacy, than are some. A shade of 
care and sorrow is always to me spread over 
whatever relates to the soul ; and though nat- 
urally and habitually cheerful, a season of revival, 
with all its joy, is mingled with some of other, 
feelings. Yet, as the poet says, 

' Tears have their own sweetness too ; ' 

and I am not disposed to find fault with the 
share of happiness God has granted me. I am, 
indeed, blessed more highly than any. 

" February IStfi. — Have written a letter of 
sympathy and condolence to my dear Br. B. C. 
Grafton, on the death of his wife. How strange- 
ly kind is our heavenly Father. Br. G., has 
been visited in judgment, and I in mercy ; he 
has been called to bury seven children, and now 



BELA JACOBS. 215 

to follow their mother to the silent tomb ; while 
my companion is spared, and all my children, 
save one, who early went to heaven ; and more 
than this, all of them but one dear little girl, 
have, as they think, chosen the better part 
which can never be taken from them. Oh! how 
should my heart swell even to bursting, with 
gratitude to the Bestower of all mercies.— Nine 
o'clock. Five young men have just left my 
study ; they came to converse on the things of 
the kingdom, and, of course, the visit gave me 
pleasure, although it is Saturday. And now, 
my soul, from a review of what has been done 
for thee and thine, bless God, and dedicate thy^ 
self anew, and with stronger purpose to His ser- 
vice. 

** Monday^ February ^\st. — I had appoint- 
ed an inquiry meeting for this evening, and 
a prayer-meeting for the church ; but as it 
rained very fast, and was dark, I expected to see 
but few. How great was my surprise to find 
more than thirty in the room appointed for in- 
quirers, and fifty of the church assembled to 
pray. Surely the spiritual presence of the Lord 
is with us. I had a large majority of men at my 
inquiry meeting this evening; I have long ear- 
nestly prayed for the heads of families in my 
congregation, and I persuade myself that I shall 
yet see many of them turning from earth to 
heaven, from the treasures of the world to the 
seeking durable riches and righteousness. Lord, 
hear me for these ! Sometimes my faith is 
weak ; still, long as I live, I will pray for them 
without ceasing, and persuade thepfi to be recoils- 
icijed to God. 



216 



EELA JACOBS. 



*' LorcTs-day^ February 26th. — Tliis has been 
a day of great exertion to me. I spoke all day, 
and administered the supper ; so much talking 
in connection with preaching yesterday for Br. 
Jackson, has excessively fatigued me ; yet it is 
a blessed work in which to labor, and one wor- 
thy of all my strength. Oh ! that I had a heart 
fit for my glorious employment. Sometimes I 
get some faint glimpse of the worth of the soul, 
and the ineffable glory of the upper world, and 
then I wonder at my own apathy. I have, again, 
this evening, humbly, and with many tears, been 
imploring almighty grace to touch the hearts of 
those men in my congregation, some of whom 
have seen several revivals pass over them, and 
are still unaffected. Thou canst subdue the 
hardest heart. Oh ! save these fathers, for their 
own, and their household's sake. 

*' Monday, March 5th. — Have been sick 
for a week. Have felt greatly at being laid 
aside at such a time as this. I hope I have not 
sinned through impatience. Our orthodox 
brethren intend holding a series of meetings ; 
they have my earnest prayers for a blessing on 
their efforts. We shall omit several of our meet- 
ings, in order that those who wish, may attend 
these. 

** 3Iarch 2ith. — Have been unwell all the 
week, and the weather having been unfavorable, 
I have been confined to the house. My spiri's, 
too, have suffered a great depression. I do not 
enjoy that lively faith and zeal which were mine 
a few weeks ago. Oh ! what a sinful heart is 
mine. My whole soul should be engaged for 



BELA JACOBS. 217 

God and for his cause : so I preach, and so I 
believe; but it is harder for a cold heart to feel. 
I fear, too, that our revival is not progressing, 
but coming to a sudden, and to me it appears, 
an awful stand; leaving a number of serious 
persons without hope, in that fearful state of 
being ' almost persuaded to be a Christian.' Oh, 
that I, that the whole church may pray that 
such may not be the case ; for 

' If the Lord be once withdrawn, 
And we attempt the work alone ' 



'' March 25^)^.— To-day will not, T think, be 
soon forgotten. To many it has been a day of 
peculiar solemnity ; to me it has also been at- 
tended w^ith great labor. I preached in the 
morning to a crowded assembly on the subject 
of Baptism ; * Repent, and be baptized every one 
of you/ We then repaired to our Jordan, and 
T immersed twenty-three persons, most of them 
in the morning of life ; among them were a man 
and his wife, and three sets of sisters. An im- 
mense throng of i>eople attended, as witnesses of 
the ordinance, and I would fain believe that there 
was an impression made which shall not be lost. 
In the afternoon, I presented the hand of fellow- 
ship to these happy persons, and then we sur- 
rounded the table of our Lord. 

" April 5th»' — At our church-meeting this 
evening, we received several young people. 
Oh thou great Shepherd, keep these dear little 
lambs near thyself To-day one of our members 
has been called away from us, to unite, as we 
, 18* 



218 BELA JACOBS. 

believe, with the church above. Well, death 
too, is gain to the believer. 

' Death is the gate to endless rest. 
Why should we fear to enter there.' 

'T is a pleasant thought, too, that some of our 
church are in heaven, our representatives in the 
great meeting of saints, from the north and from 
the south, from the east, and from the west ; 
guests at the marriage feast of the Lamb. 

^^ Lord's-day, April }5th. — Br. Williams 
preached for me this morning, after which we 
assembled at the water-side, and I baptized six- 
teen persons, four of whom were my own dear 
children. In the afternoon I preached from 
Isaiah Ix. 8 ; ' Who are these that fly as a 
cloud, &:.c.' I then gave the fellowship to the 
baptized, strenuously urging on these young dis- 
ciples the necessity of walking humbly before 
God. I told my own, and told them truly, that 
I would rather follow them to yonder grave-yard, 
and lay them down to sleep in certain hope, 
until the resurrection of the just, than have them 
live to dishonor the Christian name. Lord, I 
pray for these, and not for these only, but for all 
whom thou hast given me, that where Thou art, 
they and I may be also. When I look at the 
mercy of God so richly manifested to me, and 
then reflect on my own sinfulness and ingrati- 
tude, I am amazed, and exclaim, ' Who am 1, 
that the Lord should deal thus with me ? ' Nev- 
er was I more sensible of the abounding grace 
of God. Not unto me, not unto me, but to thy 
name be the glory. 



BELA JACOBS. 219 

^^ Saturday^ April ^\st. — Had a pleasant 
exercise this evening with the five lads who were 
received on the last Sabbath. They come once 
a fortnight, and I instruct them in the doctrines 
of the gospel in a familiar manner, and counsel 
them. I have taken upon me to attempt to clear 
off a debt of twenty-four hundred dollars, which 
is now resting on our house of worship. It 
is to be done by subscription. I have reason to 
believe that I shall accomplish it.* 

''April 28tL — To-day, my daughter left 

us for three months : this is a trial to both ; may 
it prove to be for good to her who goes, and to 
us who are left. Oh ! our Father in heaven, 
watch, I pray thee, over this dear child, and 
bless her, and make her a blessing. 

*' April 29th. — A solemn season at the table 
of the Lord this afternoon. I had preached on 
a most affecting subject, the sufferings of our 
Savior, * Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him.' 
I had felt then deeply as a man, as a Christian, 
and as a pastor, and then, when we came around 
our Father's board, my feelings as ?l father, were 
equally touched : there were three of my own 
dear children, for the first time partaking the 
emblems of their Redeemer's death. My eldest 
was absent. Oh, that all these lambs may be 
kept in the footsteps of the flock. 

^' May lith. — Received an anonymous let- 
ter, purporting to be from some one in great 
distress, and soliciting my earnest prayers for the 
writer. The hand-writing was that of a female, 

** This attempt was entirely successful. 



220 BELA JACOBS. 

and to show, I suppose, that it was not pecuni^ 
ary distress, the writer had enclosed some money 
in the note. I retired, and prayed to the God 
over all, who knows the individual and the case, 
and who can deliver out of every trouble. 

*' Lord's-day, May 2QtJi. — Subject in the 
morning, the two debtors. In the afternoon, 
I took that alarming text in Jeremiah 8th; * The 
harvest is past.' I think I felt something of the 
solemnity of my subject, and numbers in the as- 
sembly seemed to feel it too. During this week, 
one young man of my congregation has died. 
Oh ! let me realize that there is but a little time 
in which I can do my people any good ; let me 
then work while the day lasts. A. had attend- 
ed my inquiry meetings, and had indulged some 
hope before his sickness ; the nature of his dis- 
ease was such that he could not converse during 
his illness. God grant that he has made a hap- 
py exchange. Had to-day another letter from 
my child ; she is well, and happy as we could 
expect. The Lord bless and preserve thee, my 
phild.'' 



CHAPTER XIII. 



CONCLUSION OF YEAR 1832 THE BEGINNING OF 

1833 — RESIGNATION OF THE PASTORAL OF- 
FICE. 



^^ Saturday^ June 2d, 1832. — The past has 
been a week of toil and one of pleasure too. 
The annual meetings of the principal benevolent 
operations in New-England, are held this week. 
I have attended many, and, I hope, with some 
profit ; but good things soon become fatiguing to 
our weak bodies and minds ; and I am worn out, 
though I have this year taken no public part. 
I have had the great pleasure of witnessing the 
happy deliverance of one of my parishioners, 
from great mental distress : she is the wife of 
, young, but swiftly sinking under consump- 
tion : she has had her attention directed to the 
subject of religion for several months. I have 
felt greatly interested in her, and now rejoice 
that she has been enabled to trust in the Lord. 

'* Lord's-day, June Sd. — The lady mentioned 
above, has entered into her rest. She died last 
night, in the enjoyment of hope, and full of com- 
fort. I have never, I think, viewed the depart- 



222 BELA JACOBS. 

ure of any of my charge with more satisfaction. 
Oh ! my Father, make me faithful to them alU 
^^ June \Oth. — Preached in Maiden, for 
Br. Briggs. After my return, I joined in mar- 
riage two of my charge, Br. Hancock, and A. 
Thayer, who are shortly to embark for Burmah. 
There will soon be in that field four of my 
spiritual children. Oliver and Harriet* are al- 
ready there. The Lord go ever with them all, 
and bless them, is their pastor's earnest prayer. 
*' June 26^/i. — This evening, four persons 
were set apart for the Burman mission ; Br. Si- 
monds, who goes out as a preacher, Miss Cum- 
mings, who will teach, and Br. Hancock and 
wife. He is a printer, and acquainted with ste- 
reotyping. The exercises this evening were, 
a charge from Dr. Bolles, an address, and right 
hand of fellowship by dear Br. Warne, with 
prayers offered by Dr. Sharp, Mr. Malcom, 
and myself. 

*' June 29th, — Our friends sailed to-day. We 
gazed after them, till the ship was lost beyond 
the distant isles of the bay ; and now we shall 
see them no more on the shores of time. Oh ! 
that the Lord would bless them that go, and us 
that stay, and grant us all an abundant entrance 
into the haven of his rest. 

'* Monday^ July 30^/i, — Visited Lexington 
and Lincoln, in company with several brethren, 
in order to decide, concerning the erection of a 
Baptist meeting-house, in one or both of these 
places. We were fully satisfied, that in thg 

"" Mr, and Mrs. Cutter. 



BELA JACOBS* 223 

former place, efforts should immediately be 
made, to rear up a standard for the truth, as 
there is a large population, and no gospel preach- 
ing. But, as in Lincoln there is a congregation 
of evangelical Christians, we decided that it 
would be unwise to attempt it there for the 
present. We must carry the gospel wherever 
we can: where that is faithfully preached, it is 
not always expedient that we should enter mere- 
ly for the sake of spreading Baptist principles. 

'' August 9th, — To-day has been appointed 
by the civil authorities of this state, as a day of 
fasting and prayer, on account of the judgment 
which threatens our land, the cholera. I preach- 
ed in the afternoon from Isa. xxvi. 20, 21. 
* Come my people, enter thou into thy chamber, 
&c/ Had quite a large congregation, notwith- 
standing the rain, and some feeling was exhib- 
ited, as I exhorted them to hide till the indig- 
nation should be overpast. 

'^ Septetnber 22(1. — Have this week been pres- 
ent at the session of the Boston Association. 
We had a delightful meeting. The weather was 
fine, and the services interesting. Good news 
was received from almost all the churches. The 
additions by baptism amounted to more than six 
hundred and fifty ; of this number, we return- 
ed fifty, who had owned their gracious Lord, by 
submitting to his own ordinance. At the close 
of the Association, two young brethren from the 
Newton Institution were ordained to go to the 
valley of the West." 

The number baptized during this year, 1832, 
which was to be the last of Mr. Jacobs' connec- 



224 BELA JACOBS. 

tion with the church in Cambridge, was fifty- 
four. It was a prosperous and pleasant year, 
though the causes were even then at work, 
which led to separation. 

On the 10th of May, 1833, Mr. Jacobs resign- 
ed the pastoral charge of his church, after having 
been with thern fifteen years ; at the same time 
he accepted the office of Secretary of the *' Ed- 
ucational Association/' 

I have in my possession, a manuscript called 
** a brief statement of the causes which led to 
the dissolution of my pastoral connection with 
the First Baptist Church in Cambridge, prepar- 
ed to be read at a meetii^g of a committee of 
said church in the winter of 1834. B. Jacobs." 
This was not read. 

That no slight reason would induce him to 
sever ties which he esteemed so sacred, no one 
who knew his devotedness to his people's interest, 
will believe ; that it was with extreme pain to 
himself, let his own words show. " I anxious- 
ly sought to prevent any evil to the church, and 
chose to be a wanderer from my pleasant home, 
amidst danger and death, ^ that it might not 
suffer through me. It was a trial, hard, very 
hard to bear — and with many tears, I made my 
resolve. To this church, all my best days had 
been devoted ; for them I would have lived, for 
them I would gladly have died ; but it was not 
so to be ; and God, I know, ordereth all things 
right." 

That his meek spirit had suffered much and 

* The cholera was at this time prevailing in the West- 
ern States. 



BELA JACOBS. 225 

long, I have ample means of knowing and prov- 
ing. But, possessing as I do, all the partialities 
of a daughter, who was blessed with the entire 
confidence of such a father, I dare not trust my- 
self to write much on this subject. And when I 
consider the forgiving spirit of him, to whose vir- 
tues I am rearing this humble memorial, I feel 
that it is not for me needlessly to uncover the 
ashes of the past. 

The following is an extract from the paper 
above alluded to : — 

^* In the course of two extensive revivals, a 
large number of young people had become con- 
neeted with the church. To enlighten the minds 
of these youth, and render them able to give a 
reason for the hope that was in them, the pastor 
opened a meeting at his own house, extending 
an invitation to any young people who were se- 
rious. The design of the meeting was a familiar 
and plain investigation of the evidences of the 
Inspiration of the Scriptures, the best methods 
of studying the Holy Bible ; in a word, it was 
an attempt to interest the youth in the important 
contents, and inspire them with a love of the 
sacred volume. Devotional exercises were in- 
terspersed, and the young brethren were to pray 
in turn. But I soon discovered that this meeting 
did not give satisl'acrion to some of the elders 
of the church ; and how great was my astonish- 
ment, on being told by one of them, that my 
meeting was considered as set up in opposition 
to a Bible class taught in connection with the 
Sabbath school, by a young man, from Newton. 
19 



226 BELA JACOBS. 

The Pastor had set up an opposition meeting ! ! 
Alas ! alas ! " 

Mr. Jacobs felt too sadly the evil consequen- 
ces of having other shepherds besides himself. 
His own happiness was greatly injured, and the 
peace of his church disturbed, by some such in- 
dividuals. Will it be believed, that one evening 
a young man, who had ever been treated with 
the kindest consideration by Mr. Jacobs, and 
who had been, perhaps, rather too much encour- 
aged by the church, rose, in a meeting, and an- 
nounced his intention of visiting, ministerially, 
particular families during the week to ensue, re- 
questing such to be at home to receive him, and 
this in the presenee of the astonished pastor ! 

This was a pious young man, filled with zeal, 
and desirous of doing good ; his error arose 
from a want of delicacy towards the feelings of 
those older and wiser than himself, and from 
ignorance of what was befitting the relative situ- 
ations of an accidental supply, and the settled 
pastor. He never experienced any change in 
the conduct of Mr. Jacobs, who still regarded 
him with the affection his character as a Chris- 
tian and a preacher deserved. 

At the time Mr. Jacobs left, the society was 
in a very prosperous situation. The labors of 
their pastor had been eminently successful 
among them; the church, which numbered 
about forty on his coming, had been increased 
to nearly two hundred ; the debt resting on the 
house had been paid, and though a number of 
other churches had arisen in the town, and 
around it, hia congregation was by far the larg- 



BELA JACOBS. 227 

est in the place ; and at the time the separation 
occurred, it was repugnant to the feelings of more 
than nine-tenths of the people. He says, '* Of 
thirteen individuals, whose names I have, who 
attended the private meetings, resuhing in my 
asking a dismission, eight have said that they 
were opposed to the measures pursued, when 
they saw them in their legitimate consequences.'' 
The compiler of these papers does not know, 
does not wish to know these names; it is enough 
for her — thai whatever was done to the injury 
of her father's feelings, was by that father for- 
given : let it be forgotten, even by tliose, who, 
perhaps unwittingly erred. 

It was deemed proper, to make some mention 
of those circumstances, which, to use his own 
expression, ** had greatly distressed him, had 
almost worn his feeble wife into the grave, and 
on his family had exerted an influence never to 
be overcome." 

Mr. Jacobs remained at home but ten days, 
after his resignation, before commencing a jour- 
ney to the Western States, in pursuance of his 
duties, as Secretary of the '* Western Education 
Association." Mrs. Jacobs took this opportu- 
nity to pay a visit to some friends in New York, 
and was his companion during the first part of 
the journey. 

His observations during the four months of 
his absence, were thrown into the form of a 
journal, for the gratification of his children, A 
few extracts will now be given. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



JOURNAL, AND LETTERS FROM THE WESTERN 
STATES. 



" Brattleboro', Vt., May 20, 1833. 

" After commending you and ourselves to 
the protection of Almighty God, we left you at 
one o'clock, in a dark rainy morning, on a three 
months' tour to the far West. O Lord, I look 
to thee ! preserve, I pray thee, my dear family, 
in my absence, and restore me to my home in 
due season. 

** Our journey, to-day, for the most part has 
been pleasant, but too long for comfort, having 
continued nineteen hours without rest. Our 
fellow-passengers were agreeable and intelligent. 
Three of us were ministers ; one, a Congregation- 
alist, very sociable, the other from the school at 
Newton, modest and unassuming. We had also, 
a lawyer, who, as may be supposed, was a man 
of information ; and a man in his ninety-second 
year, bowed together with age, and tottering to 
the grave, but possessing all his senses and his . 
intellect unimpaired. When I looked on this 
veteran of almost a century, life appeared long 



BELA JACOBS. S29 

to me, and especially as filled up with labors, 
cares and sorrows ; but when I considered how 
exceedingly uncertain life is, and how full of 
dangers is the way, it looked shorter than a span. 

Some of the scenery which we passed to-day, 
was of a very romantic character ; the neat 
and thriving villages of my native state, with 
their numerous spires rising from temples dedi- 
cated to the worship of the Supreme God ; the 
school-houses and academies which everywhere 
sprinkled old Massachusetts, dehghted me great- 
ly, and yet forced on my mind the painful 
thought, I am going beyond these, and shall 
soon behold a fast accumulating population com- 
paratively destitute of these choicest blessings of 
our land. 

" The latter part of our ride to-day, was over 
steep hills ; we followed for miles the serpentine 
windings of the rapid Ashuelot. This rivulet is 
sometimes serene and placid, flowing gently, 
between moderately elevated banks ; at others, 
it dashes adovvn deep glens, or tears along over 
a rough bottom, foaming, as if in rage, at the 
foot of the hiilson its north bank. On the very 
brink of the river, lay our road, just wide enough 
for a carriage to pass : you, Sarah, would have 
been delighted with the scenery ; for the Sarah 
at my side, it was too romantic, trying her 
courage very severely. At Hinsdale, we came 
in sight of the majestic Connecticut, and we 
crossed it at Brattleboro* from which place I 
write, ninety-five miles from home. 

'' Arlington, Vt., May 23d. 
'^After having been laid up sick for two days in 
19* 



230 EELA JACOBS. 

Brattleboro', I to-day crossed the Green Moun- 
tains. The scenery, though grand, has been 
dreary, and could but give the passing stranger 
an unfavorable idea of Vermont. It made quite 
appropriate the anecdote of the boy reciting his 
catechism, who, when asked, *' Into what state 
did Adam fall by sinning? " made reply, *' Into 
the state of Vermont." You know I have be- 
fore touched the soil of this state, and touched 
it hard.* 

" May 25th, Union Village, Washington Co., N. Y. 

^* This village is deeply interesting to your 
mamma, as it contains the ashes of her mother, 
and of a beloved sister, who was, at the time of 
her former visit, in health, and surrounded by a 
thriving family. She now is gone, and they are 
scattered. I took Mrs. Jacobs to Salem, to see 
an only brother : we found him and his numer- 
ous family well. The meeting of the brotlier 
and sister was like that of Joseph and his breth- 
ren ; they wept upon each others' necks for 
joy. Many, many years have passed since they 
saw each other, and each has met with trials 
and sorrows. Who can tell what is before him ? 

*' LorcVs'Dai/, May 26th. — To-day has been 
unpleasant, and I fear unprofitable to me. I 
suffered some from asthma, in consequence of 
riding in the rain yesterday. I, however, attend- 
ed public worstiip, thoucrh I fear not with much 
benefit. This village probably contains fifteen 
hundred souls ; it has two churches, of which the 

* Alluding to a former journey, during which he was 
overturned. 



BELA JACOBS. 231 

Baptist is the oldest, the largest, and the most 
wealthy. They have two pastors, and one ser- 
vice on Sabbath. The gentleman who preached 
to-day entertained us an hour and a half, prov- 
ing some things which nobody doubts, asserting 
some things which were not true, and saying 
much that had far better been left unsaid. Oh 
when will the time come, when our churches 
shall be blessed with an enlightened and efficient 
ministry ? When shall pretended forms of or* 
thodoxy, and antiquated systems of man's inven- 
tion, give place to the simple gospel, preached 
under the direction of common sense ! 

''Saratoga Springs, May 27th. 

'' Wrote home to-day. Oh that the Lord may 
smile on my dear children, and preserve them in 
my absence. I think much of them, and of the 
dear people long my special charge. To thee, 
O! thou Great Shepherd, I commit them all. 

*' This afternoon I crossed the Hudson, and 
rode over the ground where the haughty Bur- 
goyne surrendered to the untutored Americans 
of Gates. I pictured to myself the scene of that 
day, and then looked round on the reality. In- 
stead of the floating plumes, and martial ban- 
ners, were the peaceful fields of waving wheat. 
I walked, this morning, down to the " Congress 
Spring," the most celebrated of the group, and 
drank a glass of its health-restoring waters. In- 
valids have scarcely begun to arrive yet, and the 
weather has not yet become warm enough to 
force the gay and pleasure-seeking to forsake 
their city amusements. 



232 BELA JACOBS. 

'* And now let me remind you of the fountain 
opened for the health of the soul, whose virtue 
never fails, which is infinitely free, and beside 
which stands mercy, proclaiming with a winning 
voice, ' Come ye to the waters.' 

" Hamilton, N. Y., May 30ih. 

" We find this a pleasant village, delightfully 
situated in the Chenango valley, which stretches 
down to Pennsylvania, and contains some of the 
best cultivated farms I have seen in New York. 
The valley is narrow, the stream flowing through 
the centre, and leaving a rich flat on each side 
with a wood. This level is studded thick with 
farm-houses, clustering here and there into 
pleasant villages : the sloping hills are clothed 
with wheat and other grain, and wear on their 
summits their native forests for a crown. 

^' Hamihon is the seat of science for all this 
region. The Institution here is, much superior 
to what I had anticipated, and is moreover, fast 

rising. S , I presume, has done more than 

any other, perhaps than all others, in producing 
this state of things. The professors' chairs are 
now filled by some of the first young men in our 
denomination, who, to good literary attainments 
and native powers, add unremitting industry and 
zeal for the respectability and usefulness of their 
institution. Prejudices against ministerial edu- 
cation are subsiding, and young men are, in 
greater numbers than ever before, coming here 
to avail themselves of the advantages the place 
aftbrds. The whole course now embraces eight 
years, including an academical, a collegiate, and 



BELA JACOBS. 233 

a theological education. They have one large 
stone building for the accommodation of stu- 
dents, and are erecting a second. 

'* June \st. — To our great surprise and pleas- 
ure, we met, to-day, Professor Pratt from Gran- 
ville, (O.) M, has been very sick, indeed she 
is still so ; you will see her, I presume, as she 
is on her way to her father's in Brookline. From 
Mr. P. I have received much valuable informa- 
tion with regard to aifairs connected with my 
business in Ohio ; also from Professor Bacon in 
relation to Kentucky. 

*' All is now bustle and preparation for the 
business of next week. Several things combine 
to render this commencement a season of un- 
usual interest. The arrival of Mr. and Mrs. 
Wade, from Burmah, with his native converts — 
the ordination of missionaries for the East and 
West — and the large number of students con- 
nected with the institution. 

*' Evening. — We have just received a letter 
from you, my dear children, and we bless the 
Father of all, that you are in health. I daily 
pray for you, that you may be kept from all evil, 
and for the church to which we belong, that it 
may be a pure church, doing righteously. Pray 
you also for your parents. 

" June 3<^. — Attended divine worship part of 
the day yesterday, but suffered so much from 
asthma during the afternoon and night, as to be 
unable to go out at all to-day. Oh for good health, 
to pursue with vigor and ease the duties allotted 
me ! but if the Lord denies me this blessing, let 
me learn submission to His will, who governs all 
in infinite wisdom, and love, and goodness. 



234 



BELA JACOBS. 



*' June 5th, — Commencement here : the peo- 
ple are pouring in, in throngs : much more bus- 
tle is made than with us at Old Harvard. After 
the chapel was crammed, literally crammed^ with 
probably more than two thousand people, Mr. 
Wade preached to an immense assembly in the 
college yard, and catechized his Burmans. 
These turbaned gentry attract great notice. 

'* The literary performances were quite re- 
spectable ; some of the speakers very good. Four 
who graduate to-day are destined for Burmah, 
two for the Great Valley ; the rest will occupy 
stations as pastors of churches in this, and the 
adjoining states. I look upon this Institution 
as a great blessing to our denomination in this 
section of country. 

" June 6th. — I this afternoon assisted in the 
ordination of three missionaries. Dr. Going 
preached the sermon, and Mr. Wade, the mis- 
sionary, gave the fellowship. It was an inter- 
esting season. May the God of missions bless 
these young men, and make them useful to the 
church and to the world. I have now to part 
with my dear companion, and become a wander- 
er alone and ; this must last till my journey is 
made, my business finished, and I return home. 
Your mother goes to Boston in company with 
Messrs. Sears and Pratt, Mary and Elizabeth ; 
may they all reach you in safety. 

'' Rochester, N. Y., June 9ih. 

'' On waking this morning, I found that our 
boat was lying alongside of the First Presbyte- 
rian church in this town. I inquired for Dr, 



BELA JACOBS. 235 

Comstock, as soon as I landed, and learnt that 
he had not yet returned. Notice had, however, 
been given, that I was expected, and 1 preached 
all day. The people seemed pleased, and I hope 
they may have been benefited, and our Master 
glorified by the services. 

** This is a place of great business ; it has 
grown up with almost unexampled rapidity, and 
has been greatly blessed of late by the influences 
of the Spirit of God. The Presbyterians have 
four places of worship, the Episcopalians two ; 
of these, one of the former is very spacious, one 
of the latter very elegant. The Methodists 
have an immense house of stone. The Baptists, 
who are usually as deficient in elegance and 
taste about their churches, as the Episcopalians 
are remarkable for it, have a small, unsightly 
house, which will not hold more than six hun- 
dred, and yet their church numbers four hundred 
and eighty. They seem to be brethren of the 
right stamp, are engaged in all the active be- 
nevolence of the day, and talk of building a 
new house. 

" Lockport, June 10th. 

** This place exhibits a grand view of the 
power of man's art in overcoming obstacles, and 
speaks well for the enterprize of the citizens of 
this state. The chain of locks, by which the 
boats ascend sixty feet, the strength and beauty 
of the work, and the wild natural charms of the 
place, interested me greatly. Four of us here 
left the boat, and took a carriage for the falls : 
we arrived safely at Lewiston ; soon after came 



236 BELA JACOBS. 

a stage-coach full of Bostonians, who had been 
less fortunate than we, having' been overturned, 
and many of tliem hurt ; one gentleman I feared 
was seriously injured. I could sympathize w^ith 
him, for well do I remember Vermont. '* 

" Niagara Falls, June llih. 

** Rose early, and went out to survey the 
frontiers of the two nations. The heights of 
Princeton tower beyond the deep Niagara : here 
the British General Brock was slain, and here 
now^ stands his marble monument, which seems 
to look down frowningly on his republican neigh- 
bors. After breakfast, we set off for the Falls. 
Almost immediately on leaving the village, we 
ascend a rocky steep, thought by many to have 
been once the banks of Lake Ontario, which 
they say has retreated four miles. Here, too, 
w^ere once the falls w^here the rushing Niagara 
poured its w'aters into the bosom of the lake, and 
these have taken their march backw^ard, step by 
step, for seven miles. From this elevation we 
have a fine view^ of the swift river below, and of 
the immense lake, stretching, as far as the eye 
can reach, w^ith here and there a light-house, 
and a snowy-sailed vessel. 

** About three miles before we reach the Falls, 
the grand sight bursts suddenly upon the eyes ; 
we see the whitened sheet and the ascending 
vapor, which proclaim the untamed rage of the 
mighty cataract. Crossing to the island, by a 
crazy bridge, which seems to be built on the wa- 
ters, we paid our fee of entrance, recorded our 
names in this book of fame, and looked a little 



BELA JACOBS. 237 

while at the curiosities, chiefly fossils, in the 
Museum. 

*' But who can adequately describe the tumult 
of dashing floods ? I shall not attempt it ; they 
must be seen. Isaiah says, ' Jehovah holdeth 
the waters in the hollow of his hand ; ' and here 
the Most High does indeed pour one sea into 
another with infinite ease. The beautiful eme- 
rald color of the water, the majestic dignity of 
the leap, the stern torrent below, the ascending 
vapor, the brilliant rainbow, all combine to ex- 
cite deep emotion. In nothing was I disappoint- 
ed, save in the roar of the cataract, which did 
not reach my expectations. After having gazed 
long on the American shores, we crossed to the 
Canada side, to view it from thence. I, howev- 
er, was influenced chiefly by the wish to enter 
for once his Majesty's dominions, having always 
resided in our own happy republic ; and as far 
as my experience goes, 1 must say, that 1 dis- 
covered no very material difference between a 
monarchical and a republican government. I 
ate a cracker and drank a glass of wine, as much 
at ease under the rule of good king William, as 
I have ever done, wdiile living under the sway 
of the sovereign people. 

^' The British side of the falls remains in its 
original state, except that they occasionally blast 
the rocks to obtain petrifactions and fossil re- 
mains, to sell to travellers ; but the Americans 
have begun their characteristic improvements, 
having already erected a paper-mill above the 
small cataract." 
20 



238 



BELA JACOBS. 



The following are extracts from a letter to a 
friend in Cambridge. 

'' On board the Steam Packet S. Thompson, on Lake 
Erie. Jmie 12th, 1833. 

** Dear Sir^ — Embarked as I am upon this 
sea, it is very natural to think of you ; nor is it 
the water only which induces me to remember a 
Cambridge friend. There are many there, to- 
wards whom I cherish the warmest feelings of 
friendship ; among these, I number yourself and 

Mrs. D . My journey thus far has been 

prosperous and pleasant, and my health, for the 
past week, very good. I parted company with 
my consort on the 6th ; she seemed rather un- 
willing not to go the whole journey with me. I 

hope that you and Mrs. D will call often 

and cheer her spirits. 

^' I yesterday visited the Falls, that wonder of 
the world ; perhaps you have seen them ; if so, I 
need not describe them ; if you have never seen 
them, I cannot. Oh ! the grandeur of this 
mighty rush of waters ! This emptying of one 
sea into another ! 

** I spent last night in Buffalo ; a splendid 
place for an infant city. It is admirably situated 
for business; its buildings are entirely new, and 
many of them elegant. You doubtless remem- 
ber, that it was laid in ashes by the British dur- 
ing the last war, but it has risen like the Phoenix, 
has now considerable commerce, and a popula- 
tion of twelve thousand. It is certainly the 
finest place I have seen since I left home, and I 
doubt not is destined to become a large city. 



BELA JACOBS. 



239 



" The vessel, in which we are making our 
way up the lake, has three masts, but no other 
sails than what sailors term, I believe, * fore and 
aft sails ; ' indeed, I have not, as yet, seen any 
square-rigged vessels. We are heavily laden 
with merchandise, and have, I should suppose, 
three hundred passengers ; the wind is ahead, 
and our progress little. 

^^ I sit, at times, and moralize on the voyage 
of life, and think how soon it will be over. 
This, my dear friend, is equally true of us both. 
Let us, then, endeavor to assure ourselves that 
we are directing our course towards the haven 
of eternal rest ; let us be persuaded of the dan- 
ger of shipwreck, and the necessity of providing 
ourselves with an infallible pilot. Jesus, the Son 
of God, is this only guide, and he is strong to 
deliver. Permit me then, without the figure, to 
exhort you to seek to him. There is such a 
thing as an interest in his love, and an evidence 
of it to our own souls, which affords unspeakable 
peace and joy. May this be shared by you, and 
the partner of your joys and sorrows. 

** I feel a great deal of solicitude for the con- 
gregation, for so many years the object of my 
care ; it is still my earnest prayer that not one 
of them may fail of heaven ; and I hope that my 
successor may be far more useful to their souls 
than I have been. Yours, sincerely, 

B. Jacobs. 

"Ashtabula, Ohio, June 14th. 

^^Br. Carr, late of the Newton Institution, is here, 
and wishes me to pass the Sabbath with him, which 



240 BELA JACOBS. 

I expect to do. I have now really entered on 
my proper field of lahor, and am making the 
necessary inquiries. This section of the state 
is known by the name of * New Connecticut,' 
and is settled principally by emigrants from the 
East, who have brought with them the customs 
and habits of New England ; they have churches 
and schools, and patronize the good things of 
New England. I think Br. Carr has a sphere 
of action that promises much. May the great 
Head of the church be with and bless him. 

" Newark, (O.) June 21st. 

" This afternoon, Br. Gear took me about a 
mile from this village, to see one of those ancient 
fortifications, so celebrated in this western re- 
gion. A part of it is converted into the public 
road, over which we passed in our wagon : when 
the road leaves it, we got down and walked the 
ramparts. This fort or mound is circular, and 
just a mile in circumference ; it is built on level 
ground ; the ramparts, judging from the eye, are 
about ten feet in height from the outside : from 
the bottom of the ditch inside twenty feet, and 
are twenty feet wide at the base ; the slope ap- 
pears nearly equal on both sides, and of a uni- 
form height, notwithstanding the washing of 
nobody knows how many ages. There was but 
one opening, and that towards the north, of the 
width of a broad sheet, perfectly straight, be- 
tween two strong abutments or shoulders, flank- 
ing out. Here, probably, stood the ample gates 
of this ancient town or fortress ; more ancient, 
perhaps, than the Egyptian pyramids. The build- 



BELA JACOBS. 241 

ers, who and when were they ? The purpose 
what 1 If built for defence against assailants, 
why, contrary to all the laws of defence, have the 
moat or ditch on the inside, which is the case 
with this, and as I am told, is true of all others. 
On the north of this one, are extensive lines of 
breast-works, thrown up in parallel lines, at con- 
siderable intervals. As the only opening is on 
the north, it would seem that assault was antici- 
pated from the south ; why then are these suc- 
cessive lines of breast-works in the rear, and not 
in front? But all is mystery. Their builders 
are long since passed away, and all their annals 
have perished with them. I sighed as I stood 
there, in echo to the v/ind, which sighs mourn- 
fully through the mighty trees, above these migh- 
tier ruins. 

"We measured one of these trees with an 
umbrella, and found it four umbrellas and a half: 
about fourteen feet ; but on ascending the oppo- 
site abutment, we saw one much larger, which 
being hollow with a door cut in it, we entered, 
and found it large enough for four men to stand 
upright. 

*' Saturday, June 22d. — Visited Granville to- 
day, and spent some hours at the Institution here. 
I am pleased with this place. The village re- 
sembles those of our own state, and reminds me 
of home, and the Institution is far beyond my 
expectations. Mr. Pratt is, you know, away 
just now ; but the other two professors appear 
to be men of the right stamp, and indefatigable 
in their labors. I find here eighty-eight students, 
twenty-five of whom are pious men, and twenty 
20* 



242 BELA JACOBS. 

of these are looking forward to the ministry. 
This is certainly encouraging to this western 
country. In Granville, there is also a high 
school for girls, with which I was very much 
gratified ; and I am persuaded that Granville, 
situated as it is, in the heart of Ohio, is destined 
to shed great light on all the surrounding re- 
gion. 

** Monday^ June 2ith. — I preached yes- 
terday for Br. Gear, a missionary sermon in the 
afternoon, at his request, and to-day rode to 
Granville again ; heard several classes ; met all 
the classes together at prayer, and took tea in 
commons. After tea, went to a high hill, in the 
neighborhood, and saw many curious remains 
of sea-shells and insects. I think constantly of 
you all, at home, and you I hope, daily remem- 
ber your absent husband and father in your 
prayers. How precious the privilege, that we 
may go to our Almighty friend, and ask his bles- 
sing on each other. Though w^e are far distant, 
this Friend is ever present with all of us ; and if 
we love Him, and seek His favors. He will be 
more to us than any earthly friend can be. 

" Columbus, June 26th. 

^* Rode all day yesterday in a pouring rain, over 
the worst road, without exception, that ever was, 
or was not made. We were almost twelve hours 
making twenty-seven miles. And now you may 
suppose papa got sick. On the contrary, arriv- 
ing wet and weary at the hotel, he changed his 
wet garments, ate a hearty supper, laid him 
down on a settee before the fire, and slept sound- 



BELA JACOBS. 243 

ly. So much for hard knocks, and many- 
frights. 

'* The public buildings in this town are not 
imposing, but make a handsome appearance on 
the principal square. The Presbyterians have 
a fine house of brick, and the Episcopalians are 
erecting one of stone, which will be very ele- 
gant. These are both in eligible situations^ 
near the public square. But the Baptists, as 
might be expected, have a little one-story, mean- 
looking building, quite down in the dregs of the 
borough. Their pulpit is occupied by a very 
illiterate man, who preaches, I am told, to about 
forty in this metropolis of Ohio. There are in 
Columbus more than three thousand inhabitants, 
many of w^hom are Baptists, or baptistically in- 
clined, but who, under existing circumstances, 
prefer attending elsewhere.'' 

'' Cincinnati, Ohio, June 30lh. 

" Lord^S'Day. — This is the sixth day of sa- 
cred rest, since I left home. It has been to me 
a gloomy one. I arrived late last night, and 
took lodgings in the first public house I found, 
which proved to be a German house. The Cap- 
tain of the packet very kindly attended me to 
my chamber, opened my trunk, gave me some 
medicine, and sat by me until a late hour. The 
people of the house seemed to care little about 
me ; none, after my entrance came near me, save 
a tall Dutchman, who looked in upon me to- 
wards morning. So 1 sat and toiled for breath 
until sunrise. I had the pleasure of receiving 
two letters from home to-day, informing me that 



244 BELA JACOBS. 

you, my dear S. , arrived at home in safety, 

and that you are all well. I think of you to- 
day, attending church together, and long to be 
with you. You, doubtless, think and speak of 
me/' 

Mr. Jacobs received much polite attention 
from the Rev. Mr. Lynd, and from Dr. Beecher, 
of the Lane Seminary. On the 5th of July, he 
writes : — 

'* To-day is the anniversary of my ordination; 
twenty-four years ago, I was solemnly set apart 
to be a minister of the Savior's gospel. In this 
long time I have seen much of the goodness of 
God; I have, I hope, been enabled to do a little 
in his service, but much, very much of imperfec- 
tion and sin appears in it all. I have been to- 
day to some high hills just out of town : I took, 
from the quarries of rock, many specimens of 
petrified fish. How astonishing ! to find the an- 
imals of perhaps three thousand years ago, a 
thousand miles from their native element, and 
changed to solid rock. 

I dined to-day with Dr. Beecher, who after 
dinner, took me in his barouche to Walnut Hills, 
the site of his seminary, and politely showed me 
the whole establishment, which now contains 
one hundred students. 

*^ July StJi, — Yesterday was • my Lydia's 
birth-day. May every blessing be hers for many 
years. Had a letter from home this morning, 
after so long looking in vain : was pained to 
learn that Rachel is again sick. I hope it may 
not prove a serious illness. The neighbors and 
friends who are so kind to you, have my most 



BELA JACOBS. 



1S45 



hearty thanks, The good Lord reward them a 
thousand fold. 

'^ I think much of our church at home. 1 fear 
it will be some time before ihey will be perfectly 
united in a future pastor. It is a good church ; in 
it are some of the excellent of the earth. There 
are few in our land superior to it ; but it has 
some sticks so crooked, that they cannot lie in 
the pile with the others. The better way would 
be to give them plenty of room to make a pile 
by themselves. 

** July 9th. — We are sailing down the 
Ohio, in the Lady Byron. I spent last night, 
however, in Aurora, a small town in Indiana, at 
the house of the Hon. J. Holdman, a most ex- 
cellent man. He is said to possess more influ- 
ence than any other Baptist in the state ; he has 
always been a politician, is a member of the 
Legislature, is now a Judge of the Supreme 
Court, &c., yet, with all this, finds time to be a 
Christian and a preacher. He says, that Bap- 
tist young men capable of teaching high schools, 
might be employed in almost indefinite numbers, 
if they would come here, commence teaching, 
and thus make themselves known. 

*^ While waiting for the steamboat, I amused 
myself on the shore, selecting petrifactions. I 
shall enlarge your cabinet of minerals very con- 
siderably, I think, if I reach home with all my 
treasures." 

The following is a letter dated Louisville, 
Kentucky, July 10th. 

" BIi/ very dear Wife and Children, After 
waiting a whole week in Cincinnati, going every 



246 BELA JACOBS. 

day to the post-office, until my face had become 
familiar to the post-master, he said very smiling- 
ly this morning when I entered, * Yes, Mr. Ja- 
cobs, I have one.' I smiled too, as you may im- 
agine, right glad to hear from you, though I 
grieve to learn that Rachel is ill ; tell her to be 
careful, and I hope my Sarah will exercise 
prudence with regard to her cough. You must 
all be well when I get home. Till then, may 
every blessing be yours. 

'* As I know you are so far like the Publi- 
cans as to love every body who loves or is kind 
to your absent friend, I must mention to you 

Dr. Staughton, of C , who is very eminent in 

his profession, and who very politely gave me 
his advice, and furnished me with a box of med- 
icine. 

*' Among the passengers in the boat from Cin- 
cinnati, was a youth of sixteen years, in chains. 
He was handcuffed, and fettered, and chained 
to a post, while his keeper stood over him with 
an array of pistols. He is a murderer, going to 
Mississippi to be tried. My heart bled for him. 
I talked with him, and he told me he has no father, 
but his mother is still living. Alas, for that 
mother, what must be her wretchedness 1 I en- 
deavored to impress on the mind of this misera- 
ble boy, the importance of seeking unto God, 
who alone can forgive sin, and recommended 
him to that Savior, whose blood can wash away 
the blackest stain. 

** Louisville is the most thriving place I have 
seen, not excepting Cincinnati, which it threat- 
ens to rival. It is nearly as large as Providence, 



BELA JACOBS* 



247 



(R. I.) is finely situated for trade at the falls of 
the Ohio. A superb canal is here cut through 
the solid rock, round the fails, for the passage 
of steamboats. I counted twenty-three steam- 
boats here, some of which were very large. There 
is no place, for a long distance below, to share 
its business. I was sorry to hear unfavorable 
accounts of the purity of its females. They can- 
not, however, all be true. On the w^hole, I con- 
sider Louisville an interesting place. Children, 
put Mr. Van Boskirk on your list of people, 
who have been kind to your father. 

'' The Baptists in *old Kentuck' are * not any 
better than they should be.' Now, don't ask 
who is ? Though numerous and wealthy, they 
do not exert themselves much, in promoting the 
cause of religion. Their pastors, if they have 
any, are mostly engaged in other pursuits, and 
preach to the churches but once a month. 
While Campbellism on the one hand, and Anti- 
nomianism on the other, exert their baleful in- 
fluences. There are, of course, exceptions to 
this state of things, exceptions the more honora- 
ble, as being ' faithful found among the faith- 
less.' 

** From what I saw at Louisville, I should not 
suppose that the condition of the negro race 
was much, if any worse, than in the more north- 
ern states. I saw as many whites as blacks en- 
gaged in menial employments, and I saw some 
blacks living in apparent ease and comfort. 
Still 1 do not consider myself qualified to decide 
on the subject, as if I had lived here for a length 
of time. 



248 BELA JACOBS. 

*^ Let us remember each other in all our pray- 
ers. I am yours in all the clear relations. 

B. Jacobs. 

'' Equality, July 14th. 

*' We had a pleasant run down the river, 
three hundred miles to Shawneetown. The uni- 
formity, however, soon tires. One unvaried 
scene, woods and water, and no change in the 
banks of the river did not interest me much. 
We reached Shawneetown yesterday morning. 
No stage that day, and as I am unwilling to 
travel on the Sabbath, I made arrangements for 
coming here, about fifteen miles from Shawnee- 
town, where the Presbyterians are holding a 
great meeting. 

" I have spent to-day pleasantly with these 
brethren ; I preached once, heard one sermon, 
saw five infants sprinkled, and witnessed, for the 
first time, the administration of the Lord's sup- 
per, after the manner of the Presbyterians. I 
received a great deal of marked attention, from 
some of the principal inhabitants of the place, 
especially from the post-master, an Irish gen- 
tleman, who was poUtely desirous that I would 
remain a week here, and visit what is rare and 
curious in this vicinity. He is a man of refined 
taste, and great suavity of manners. At parting, 
he said, ' Mr. Jacobs, the water of the prairies 
is very bad ; take this bottle of claret, to sweet- 
en it ; and here is a letter of introduction to a 
gentleman in Kaskaskia, and may every blessing 
be yours.' 

''After leaving Equality, I rode for one hun- 



BELA JACOBS. 249 

dred miles, through a thinly peopled region, 
mostly over prairies of from one to seven miles 
in extent, skirted with thin woods. I passed 
some saltlicks, and, for the first time in my life, 
saw a wild deer, bounding freely in his native ' 
forests. When first started, he gave a few leaps, 
wheeled around, and gazed at us 'for an instant, 
and then bounded away out of sight. We twice 
lost our w^ay on the prairies, but after two days 
shaking in this miserable wagon, which they 
call the stage coach, we arrived at vespers, 
at the ancient Catholic town ofKaskaskia. 

" Kaskaskia. 

** This place is rapidly declining, as the Prot- 
estants have left it. The houses are falling to 
ruins, and the place seems to be given up to a 
wretched population, who spend their days in 
idleness and filth, in fiddling and drinking whis- 
key. I was surprised to see the ancient capital 
of the state make such a sorry appearance. 

^^ July \Qth. — I have to-day crossed the 
prince of rivers, the Mississippi. The river was 
much higher and more rapid than I expected to 
find it, and as turbid and foul as I had been told. 
My emotions, when I came in sight of this fath- 
er of waters, were great. What scenes has this 
stream witnessed, ages before the adventurous 
Italian discovered the Western world ! and now 
throng hundreds of steamboats, where even ^.few 
years ago, was seen but now and then, the frail 
Indian canoe. 

** Dined to-day at the house of Judge Grafton, 
in Genevieve. This is, like Kaskaskia, a strong 
21 



250 BELA JACOBS. 

hold of Romanism. Almost all the inhabitants 
are French Catholics ; I think, in a population 
of one thousand, there are but fourteen Protest- 
ant families. These maintain regular worship, 
though they have preaching but seldom. The 
Catholics are rebuilding their church of stone, 
and the inhabitants have subscribed ten thousand 
dollars towards establishing here a Catholic 
seminary. But, dark as it now is here, 1 believe 
the true light will yet shine upon this region, 
and that so brightly, that the mists of error will 
all disappear. 

*^ I went this afternoon to see ' the Indian 
tracks,' or prints of footsteps in the solid rock. 
The impressions look as if made in clay, by men 
and boys walking through the creek. 

•• St. Louis. Missouri. July -23(1. 

'^ The Catholics here are numerous, but they 
have not that decided and overwhelming major- 
ity, which I expected ; they rather gain their 
ascendancy by smooth manners and insinuating 
measures. This is especially the case with re- 
gard to their schools. At the nunnery in this 
place, they have a large school for young ladies, 
to which many Protestants send their children. 
They have a college also, and are building a 
splendid cathedral. 

'' As I was walking to-day, (which is very 
hot,^ in one of the principal streets, with my 
black broad-brimmed hat, black gown, and cane, 
I was very reverently saluted by several individ- 
uals, who took me, evidently, for one of their 
priests. 



BELA JACOBS. 



251 



^' The silent but not less powerful efforts of 
the Catholics, I consider one of the greatest ob- 
stacles to the promotion of education, (Protestant 
education,) in the West. They are doing a 
great work, and are urging forward, in a secret, 
but systematic manner, what many of them 
doubtless think their pious purpose, the con- 
quest of the West. They have men and money, 
and spare neither. 

'* Their teachers are as good, if not better than 
most others who have heretofore instructed ; 
and if only on a level with those of other de- 
nominations with regard to attainments, they 
excel in suavity of manners and a courteous ad- 
dress ; thus they conciliate the affections of 
many Protestants, whose children they cordially 
receive, and with whose religious creed they 
promise not to interfere. Nor is there any direct 
attack made on their sentiments ; they are by 
far too wily to do that. A much safer, a more 
effectual way is, after blinding the parents to 
imbue the tender minds of their pupils with con- 
fidence in their teachers, ' the holy sisters,' and 
* the good fathers of the church,' and induce 
them to practise, till they love the rites of mother 
church; then their worship is so imposing, and 
their doctrines so grateful to many, that the 
wonder is, perhaps, that so many escape. 

'' July 24th. 

*' Left St. Louis this morning for Alton (III.) 
The Mississippi presents but few changes of 
scenery ; the banks are mostly low and crumb- 
ling ; occasionally, however, are seen tall lime' 



252 BELA JACOBS. 

Stone cliffs, standing like watchmen over the 
muddy waters; though this defilement belongs 
not to the Mississippi, but to his western broth- 
er, the great Missouri. I had, to-day, the pleas- 
ure of witnessing the meeting of these mighty 
streams. The view is, however, greatly obstruct- 
ed by the numerous islands formed by the im- 
mense quantity of matter disgorged by this yel- 
low river of half water and half clay. The sil- 
ver-footed Ohio pleases me better than any other 
river in this western country. 

" Edwardsville, (111.) July 28th. 

" I came here two days since, for the purpose 
of attending an association, now in session in 
this place. I have delivered several addresses, 
and should, yesterday, have preached for the 
people, but I became so ill, that I was obliged 
to acknowledge myself sick, and seek medical 
aid. The good providence of God had directed 
me to the house of a kind friend, a brother in 
the common cause, and a physician. As I lay 
upon my couch through the day, and gazed on 
a large map of the United States, which hung 
before me, and contemplated the many and 
large states which separated me from my dear 
home, my heart sunk down as low as the mer- 
cury was high. 

*' There is a good state of feeling among the 
Baptists here ; but they make as much noise and 
ado as the Methodists. Three times, the w^hole 
association came around me singing, to shake 
hands with me, by way of testifying their fellow- 
ship for me, and satisfaction in my remarks. 



BELA JACOBS. 253 

They express much disappointment that I am 
not able to preach to them to-day. 

" This is the day that the dear people, long 
my charge, surround the table of the Lord ; for 
many years I met them there, in the house of 
God, and joined with them in the delightful 
though sad service, which reminds us of the 
body broken, and the blood spilled for us. Now 
I am far away, perhaps never in the same capaci- 
ty to unite with them again : should I return, 
another may fill that place : the thought is pain- 
ful, but let me, without the shadow of a murmur, 
bow to His will, who ordereth all things aright. 

'' Vincennes, (111.) August 2d. 

** Have been amid sickness during the last few 
days, and have suffered greatly myself. Last 
night was, I think, one of the most distressing I 
ever experienced. The hours seemed to move 
as if many nights had been compressed into one. 
I had the asthma very badly : we were in a mis- 
erable open wagon : the night was very damp and 
chill, enough so, indeed, to punish me severely 
for my carelessness in leaving my great coat 
where Gilpin's hat and wig were. 

** I have crossed the Wabash, and taken leave 
of Illinois, nor can I regret it ; true, it has a fer- 
tile soil, long rivers, and extensive prairies ; but 
there are many drawbacks to these advantages. 

*' The rivers which bear their productions to 
other parts of the land, and give success to their 
commerce, waft not unfrequently disease and 
death ; their prairies at first delight, but soon 
weary. I crossed that denominated * Grand/ 
21* 



254 BELA JACOBS. 

said to be five hundred miles long, and twenty- 
one broad. I was engaged, all the while we 
were riding over it, in planting trees and round- 
ing the surface into hills. 

" Indianapolis, (Ind.) August 8th. 

*' I gave you no account of Terre Haute, at 
which place I witnessed a western election ; 
noisy, for it was a warm election, and there was 
much whiskey concerned in the matter, but end- 
ing much more peaceably than one would sup- 
pose. Whence Terre Haute obtains its name, I 
do not know, as its site is not elevated above the 
surrounding country. 

*' I have, in the place in which I am now wri- 
ting, met with much and polite attention. Have 
I ever given you a bill of fare ? here it is ; — fried 
chickens and apple-dumplings for breakfast ; 
roast or fried deer with bacon, for dinner ; ba- 
con and chickens for tea, and at supper, pork, 
squash, and the everlasting chicken. This biped 
has appeared to me regularly three times a day, 
ever since I entered the valley three months ago. 

" August 10th. 

^^For two days past I have been on the road 
from Indianapolis to Cincinnati ; the water on 
our route is intolerably bad, the roads rough, 
and I sick. Oh, I think of home. After riding 
nearly three hours yesterday morning, feeling 
very faint, and having ten miles more to ride 
before we should reach our breakfast station, I 
stopped at a public house, when the following 
dialogue ensued between me and mine host : — 



BELA JACOBS. 255 

" ^ Can you give me any refreshment, land- 
lord ? ' 

" ' Why I have some pretty good whiskey.' 

" * Have you nothing else 1 ' 

*' ' Yes, I have some water, but it is somewhat 
sulphury.' 

*' * But have you no such thing as crackers or 
bread in the house 1 ' 

" ' No.' 

'* So I had to go on, after trying to swallow 
some of his sulphur water, dashed with a little of 
his pretty good whiskey. The compound tasted 
like tar and sulphur. 

^* Cincinnati, August 12th. 

*' Though scarcely able to go out, I have yet 
made arrangements for my departure, which I 
must hasten, or the lime-water of this region 
will destroy me. 

** I received a letter from you to-day, written 
by eight different hands, and dated a month 
since. I never saw such a variety in one epis- 
tle. Can a letter, written by eight secretaries, 
be said to belong to the class of private corres- 
pondence ? A fig for such correspondents ; it 
takes eight of you to write one small letter once 
a month ; while I, standing alone against you 
all, send you a letter once a fortnight. No doubt 
some of yours have missed me. 1 slept but little 
last night, just long enough to dream of reaching 
home, and embracing you all. 

" Baltimore, Md. August 19th. 
** I am thus near you, having crossed the 



256 BELA JACOBS. 

Ohio, and bidden adieu to the Western states : 
yes, I have been in the ancient dominion. 
There was something pleasant to me in treading 
the ground of old Virginia, the land of Washing- 
ton and Henry, and a host of lesser lights. I 
have crossed the Alleghanies. These moun- 
tains had ever presented a formidable idea to 
my imagination, and I had always associated 
with a passage over them, something terrific and 
awful ; such is not, however, the case. The 
height of the various ranges or divisions is great, 
and the scenery magnificent; but the travelling 
over them is rendered comparatively easy by the 
great national road, which is usually excellent. 
From, none of the heights could I get as I wished, 
a glimpse of the western vale ; look which way 
I would, mountains rose on mountains as far as 
the eye could reach. 

*' I have visited whatever was rare in this 
monument city. The monument itself afforded 
me a fine view of the city, harbor, bay, &c., less 
pleasing, I think, than that from the dome of the 
State-house in Boston. I was more gratified 
with the Catholic cathedral ; for the sight of the 
images, pictures, and finery, I paid a trifle, the 
guide said for the benefit of the church, I said 
for the gratification of my curiosity. How soon 
I shall see you all ! Let us thank Him from 
whom all good things do come." 



CHAPTER XV. 



EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. 



After Mr. Jacobs' return to Cambridge, he 
published for the committee of the Educational 
Association, a small pamphlet, entitled *'A Voice 
from the West.^' The following is an extract. 

*' I am persuaded that descriptions of the 
West have been overwrought, and, in many in- 
stances, the coloring has been too high. Some 
tourists from the East, with a warm imagination 
and glowing fancy, have painted the country as 
a paradise ; while others, to awaken, perhaps 
the sympathies of the East, in behalf of their 
moral and religious improvement, have under- 
rated the morals of the inhabitants of the West, 
and have exhibited them in the light of semi- 
barbarians. The truth is evidently between 
these two extremes. 

''They have undoubtedly many natural advan- 
tages, and an exceedingly good land : but, like 
the rest of our earth since the primeval curse, 
there are found * thorns and briers ' also. On 
the other hand, the morals of the people are not 
so low, as they too often have been represented 



258 BELA JACOBS. 

to be. In this respect, I am persuaded, they 
would bear a comparison with some other parts 
of our country, more highly distinguished by ex- 
ternal privileges than they. Boatmen upon their 
waters, andloungers, for the most part foreigners, 
at the public inns, should notbe received as a fair 
specimen of the inhabitants. This would not be 
admitted of any country, and much resembles 
the ill-natured stiictures on our national char- 
acter, which are sometimes made by visiters on 
the other side of the Atlantic. It is from a wish 
to rescue the good people of the West, from 
some of the foul aspersions cast upon them, and 
to disabuse the public, that I make these re- 
marks. 

'* When it is considered that they are all 
strangers on the soil which they inhabit, that 
they came from every state in the Union, and 
from almost every kingdom in Europe, bringing 
with them all the peculiarities of their views their 
national and sectional prejudices ; and when the 
destitution of those means which improve the 
morals, and secure the elevation of society, are 
taken into the account, I think it will rather ap- 
pear surprising that the standard of morals is no 
lower. True, they cannot present that array of 
churches or meeting-houses, of academies and 
schools, which are found in the old states at the 
East. Yet there are beginnings of these things 
which promise well for time to come ; and rriany 
very worthy, intelligent, and pious persons, who 
are exerting a salutary influence on the com- 
munity, are scattered through all the region. 
Letters of agents, circulated in the periodicals 



BELA JACOBS. 259 

and public journals, representing the|inhabit- 
ants of the West, in the lowest state of degra- 
dation, have gone back to them, and have had 
a powerful influence in prejudicing some worthy 
characters against the benevolent operations of 
the East. 

*' In relation to schools, it may be said, in gen- 
eral, that the inhabitants are anxious for their 
establishment and improvement ; and I was ev- 
ery where cordially received, and treated with 
politeness, when my object was made known. 
All acknowledged that the promoters of this char- 
ity, were seeking the greatest good of the West. 
There are exceptions to this general sentiment. 
Persons are met with, who care but little for the 
education of their families ; but such persons 
may be found every where, and this darkness 
the light of education must chase away. 

*' It is well known that the first emigrants to 
the West, as to most new countries, are those 
who seek mainly the good things of this world ; 
they are allured to the Great Valley, by the 
cheapness of the land, the luxuriance of the soil, 
and the ease with which a livelihood can be ob- 
tained. To persons of this description, literary 
and religious ])rivileges, if valued at all, are but 
secondary considerations ; yet interspersed with 
these, are many who have been reared under 
the fostering hand of literary and religious edu- 
cation, who are desirous of seeing foundations of 
these things laid in the West, and are ready to 
lend their aid according to their ability. There 
is much doing, but yet there is a wide and ex- 
tending field unoccupied, which, like their own 
luxuriant soil, invites cultivation.'* 



260 BELA JACOBS. 

Mr. Jacobs spent the succeeding autumn and 
most of the winter, in attending associations 
and conventions, in visiting the churches and 
the Literary Institutions connected with the 
Baptist denomination, with a view of interesting 
the students in the object contemplated by the 
Association. 

In May, 1834, appeared a second '* Report," 
urging on Baptists the importance of making 
greater effort, for the promotion of education in 
the Western States. In this report Mr. Jacobs 
says, — 

** The Secretary has to lament that an appal- 
ling apathy seems to pervade the denomination 
very generally on this subject, though there are 
some worthy exceptions. The claims of this ex- 
tensive region, situated in the very heart of our 
country, though often spread before the public, 
seem to have awakened but very little feehng 
among Protestants generally, and among our de- 
nomination far less than others. 

** It is, however, matter of gratulation, that 
another denomination of evangelical Christians 
are making strenuous exertions in this praise- 
worthy undertaking. Their society has its prin- 
cipal seats in their seminaries ; the instructers 
encourage the object, and the young men enter 
into it with zeal. The churches, also, cheerfully 
aid with their liberal contributions : there are 
instances, in which single churches support a 
teacher in the West. This is as it should be ; 
and we are happy to add, that they are evident- 
ly accomplishing great good in the new States, 
while they are laying foundations on which 



BELA JACOBS. 261 

their own denomination will be greatly increas- 
ed." 

I have in my possession, but few letters writ- 
ten by Mr. Jacobs; indeed, until the last three 
years of his life, his correspondence was chiefly 
addressed to the members of his own family. 
After his return from the West, he wrote very 
many letters, but chiefly on business connected 
with the object of the Association, whose Sec- 
retary he was. 

The following letter is of a very early date, 
and was addressed to a member of his church in 
Pawtuxet. 

" Pawtuxet, July, 1814. 

'^ Dear Brother^ — With much affection per- 
mit your brother and your pastor to address you 
on a subject most interesting to you^ to your 
family, and to the church with which you are 
connected. I was truly sorry to find, from what 
I discovered when you were here the other even- 
ing, that our brotherly admonitions and ex- 
hortations had not produced the desired effect. 

*' You cannot be insensible, my dear brother, 
in times of reflection^ that the path you are tread- 
ing, is hazardous in the extreme. Let me ask 
you to take into serious consideration a few re- 
flections. *' Strong drink is raging," says Sol- 
omon, and its awful consequences are known to 
us all. Thousands of living witnesses, who 
once held respectable standing in society, testify 
to us daily, of the miseries of this hateful vice. 
If we have a propensity towards it, we have 
need to watch and pray continually ; but if we 
22 



262 ^ELA JACOBS. 

indulge ourselves, and give way to the tempta-* 
tion, truly our feet stand on slippery places. 

'* Much might be said on your standing in so- 
ciety, and your respectability among your fellow- 
men ; all this depends on your shunning this 
vice. But I shall confine myself to two things; 
your connection with your family, and with the 
church of God. 

** Reflect, my dear brother, on the endearing 
relations of Husband and Parent, which you 
hold ; and consider that an amiable woman, and 
several babes are depending on you, not only 
for their temporal support from day today, but 
for their standing and character in the world, 
and, what is most of all, for their peace of mind, 
and domestic comfort. Can you look on that 
woman whom you have vowed to love, and not 
reflect on the distress and anguish you may 
bring upon her, weighing her down with pain 
and sorrow 1 Can you look on those little ones, 
and not reflect that you are bound to bring them 
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? 
And will not the feelings of the father and the 
Christian induce you to teach them, not only by 
word, but by example, the way to heaven ? To 
lead them in the paths of virtue, sobriety, and 
devotion ? Can you bow the knee in your fam- 
ily, and in your closet, and in sincerity implore 
blessings on them, while you indulge in this sin? 
you certainly cannot. This spirit, and the 
spirit of the Lord cannot dwell together. Oh! 
then hear the exhortation, not mine, but Paul's, 
* Touch not, taste not.' 

"But you are a professor of religion, and 



BELA JACOBS, 



263 



stand connected with a number for whom you 
have expressed the warmest attachment. What, 
then, must be their sensations, if you should for- 
sake the paths of godliness to walk in those of 
sin ? Do I suppose an impossibility ? Heaven 
grant I may ; but I confess I fear, and because 
I love you, I write; I would wish to warn you 
before it be too late. I feel under many obliga- 
tions to you ; I have been obliged by you in 
many things, for which I feel grateful both to 
God and yourself I call to mind also how many 
times we have gone up to the house of God to* 
gether ; we have worshipped in his fear in public 
and in private ; together have we bowed the 
knee, and supplicated the Father of mercies, 
and confessed our sins. Call to mind these 
happy seasons, and let me exhort you, my dear 
brother, 'if there be any consolation in Christ, 
if any comfort in love, if any fellowship of the 
spirit, if any bowels and mercies,' that you will 
renounce this bewitching sin forever. 

*' Painful, indeed, my dear brother would it 
be to give you the parting hand ; the thoughts of 
it fill my heart with sorrow ; you can prevent it, 
and yet not you, but Jesus Christ assisting you. 
Oh, look unto him ; pray without ceasing. 

*' With this letter in my hand, I have bowed 
the knee to our common Lord, and prayed for 
you, my brother, by name ; that you may re- 
ceive this letter in the spirit of the gospel— I trust 
it is thus written — and that the Lord would arm 
you with the resolution, and enable you to carry 
it into effect, to drink no more while you live. 
And who knows ? perhaps my brother will hear, 



264 BEL A JACOBS. 

and will turn. ' If you will be wise, my heart 
shall rejoice, even mine,' and many others. But 
if not, my soul shall weep for you in secret. 

•* That the God of mercy would smile upon 
you, grant you restrainincr arace and preserving 
mercy, and bring you at last, with yours, to his 
everlasting kingdom, prays your brother, 

B. Jacobs. 

Extract of a letter to the wite of a friend, who 
died in Calcutta. 

•• Cambridge, February. 1821. 

*' Dear Madam ^ — The pleasing acquaintance 
which I have had with your family for a number 
of years, and the tender sympathy which I feel 
for your present heavy alfliction, together with 
an anxious solicitude for your welfare, induce 
me to write to you on this occasion, though \ 
could have wished a more agreeable subject had 
called forth my first epistle. But perhaps this 
solemn stroke may have opened your heart, and 
prepared you to listen more particularly to the 
great subject of salvation. When our afflictions 
are sanctified unto us by Him who sends them, 
they have tliis effect : and it is my earnest prayer 
that my dear friend may reap the blessing of 
sanctified affliction. 

** God has come near to you, indeed, and you 
are ready, perhaps, to exclaim, * the stroke is 
heavier than I can bear ; the Lord has afflicted 
me sore ; lover and friend has he removed far 
from me ; he has cut down my stay and my staif, 
and laid my hope and expectation in the dust.' 



BELA JACOBS. 265 

^^ It is not my wish to pierce your heart afresh, 
or lacerate your already wounded spirit. I 
would rather act the part of a comforter, and 
pour into your bleeding heart the oil of consola- 
tion. Let me assure you, then, that this provi- 
dence, however awful it may appear, is sent to 
you in mercy, and is intended for your good. 
The Lord has said that he 'does not afflict wil- 
lingly, nor grieve the children of men ; ' it is to 
teach us the vanity of the world, the emptiness 
of earthly things. Let us learn, then, how fading 
are all things below the skies, and that ' there's 
nothing true but heaven.' All of us are, in a 
certain sense, the children of God, and we have 
gone astray from him ; now these afflictions are 
the chastisements of his rod, and he deals with 
us as with children, punishing us, to bring us 
back to him with bitter repentance, to make us 
own, and acknowledge, and worship him. Let 
me entreat you, then, to come unto him, and 
pour your sorrows, your prayers, your tears, into 
his bosom. He will hear you ; he can, and will 
assuage your grief, and give you consolation that 
will never die, if you trust in him. He has 
promised specially on your behalf, styling him- 
self ' the widow's God, and a Father to the fa- 
therless.' 

** If we were to enjoy uninterrupted prosperity, 
and were not visited with any affliction, we might 
forget that we were dying creatures, and be 
prone to look upon this world as our home ; we 
might be careless of the future, and neglectful 
of everlasting things. This, then, is one method 
which the Lord makes use of, to awaken us to 
22* 



266 BELA JACOBS. 

a sense of our state, and to excite in us a solici- 
tude to flee for refuge to the hope set before us 
in the gospel, by cutting down our earthly props, 
that we might put our trust in God ; by destioy- 
ing our earthly hopes, that we might fix our 
hopes on heavenly things. 

*' I hope, my dear Madam, that you may be 
kept from a murmuiinor spirit, and that you may 
be enabled to see that the Judge of all the earth 
hath done right ; and may you seek, by prayer 
and supplicaii jn, for that resignation which shall 
enable you to say, * the Lord gave, he has taken 
away, and blessed be the name of the Lord.' 
This resignation will sweeten the bitter cup of 
sorrow ; it will do more, it will give joy that is 
unspeakable and full of glory. 

'' I wish to be particularly mentioned to the 
children; 1 feel much for them; tell them that 
I know what it is to be an orphan, that I was 
bereft of both my parents at a tender age. But 
he who was Israel's God, has been mine ; I hope 
and pray he mny be theirs. Tell them from me, 
as one who loves them, to ^ remember their Cre- 
ator in the days of their youth ; ' and may the 
God of mercy be their God, their Father, their 
Guardian and Guide." 

The folloNsincr is a letter to one of his daugh- 
ter's on her eighteenth birth-day. 

*' My dear Sarah, — I congratulate you on the 
return of another birth-day, and that which 
brings you to womanhood ; and jt is ray fervent 
prayer that you may witness many happy returns 



J 



BELA JACOBS. 267 

of this your natal day. But there is one subject 
which gives me more anxiety, and for which I 
pour out more ardent prayers than even for your 
life ; you ah*eady know lo what I allude. It is 
that you might be interested in the blessed Sa- 
vior. Look back, my dear, to the eighteen 
years that have rolled away, and view the mer- 
cies and blessings which you have enjoyed ; and 
say, should not these lead you up to that heavenly 
Father, who has strewed your path with bless- 
ings, and crowned your life with loving kind- 
ness 1 Undoubtedly, you think you have been 
blessed with kind parents ; it would be unkind 
in me to think otherwise of you ; and these pa- 
rents have been spared to you through your 
minority, a blessing not always enjoyed, and 
one which neither of your parents found. Has 
this consideration led you to pour out your grate- 
ful acknowledgments to the Giver of friends 
and mercies ? You have possessed many advan- 
tages and privileges, that do not fall to the lot of 
common persons, and which it is desirable that 
you should appreciate. 

*' I know that you have sometimes thought 
there was a disadvantage in being a clergyman's 
daughter ; but I am persuaded, if you view the 
subject fairly, after deducting all the petty in- 
conveniences and privations which the situation 
imposes, you will discover great advantages that 
have, or may accrue. This has brought you in- 
to contact with the best, that is, the most intelli- 
gent part of society ; this has, directly, or indi- 
rectly, offered many facilities for the improve- 
ment of your mind, and, (what is not least in my 



268 



BELA JACOBS. 



estimation, and will not, perhaps, some time bo in 
yours,) this has enlisted on your behalf maiiy 
prayers, 

'' You are sensible that your parents feel much 
solicitude on your account. They have watched 
with anxiety and with satisfaction your opening 
mind in childhood, your gradual improvement 
through the years of youth ; they have nothing 
to censure, they have much to commend. But 
of what avail, my dear child, are mental accom- 
plishments or earthly blessings, if unaccompanied 
by the one thing needful ? That you might pos- 
sess this we earnestly pray, and I entreat you to 
pray for yourself; for 1 am persuaded that God 
hears and answers prayer. I w^ill tell you a lit' 
tie incident which I know not that I have ever 
mentioned to any one. 

** When you were an infant, your dear mother 
was brought, by wasting sickness, to death's door, 
and all thought her sinking swiftly to the grave ; 
a consultation of physicians gave me no encour- 
agement. I had a garden remote from the vil- 
lage, and which, at that time, was surrounded 
with an extensive field of corn. 

** Musing one day in my garden on the deep 
gloom which appeared to hover over my family, 
my companion about to leave me for the world 
of spirits, and you, then a helpless babe, about 
to be left a motherless orphan, to make your 
way through I knew not what difficulties ; press- 
ed with these thoughts, I entered the field of 
corn, to ease my aching heart by prayer to God. 
I enjoyed great freedom in my supplication, and 
the effect upon ray own mind was soothing be- 



BELA JACOBS. 269 

yond expression ; I heard no voice, I saw no 
sight ; hut it was powerfully impressed on my 
mmd that my wife should survive her present 
sickness ; yea, that she should live to see you ar- 
rive at the age of eighteen. Now, whether it was 
right or wrong to trust in the impression, the 
event has not disappointed me. 

*' That all my prayers respecting my daughter 
may be as fully realized, is the earnest wish of 
her most affectionate father. B. Jacobs. 

'' Cambridge, Oct. 20th, 1831. 

*' To our dear children who are strolling about 
in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 

" Dear Children, — What a blow to our van- 
ity was your letter. Listening to our self-esti- 
mation, we had supposed that you were so anx- 
ious to see us by this time, as to be quite home- 
sick, when lo ! your letter asks permission to 
prolong your visit. But, to say nothing about 
this mortification, and without even doubting the 
sincerity of your friends, in wishing }ou to re- 
main longer with them, we seriously think you 
had better return on Saturday. 

*' My well-tuned ears are beginning to desire 
some music, and, after a little recreation, you 
know, we should remember we ought to return 
to the duties of home. So on my account, and 
on your own, come back. 

*' The Gibraltar has sailed, carrying from us 
our friends, Oliver and Harriet Cutter. The 
Grecian has arrived, and your old friend Capt. 
D- is in good health ; but I am sorry to say, 



270 



EELA JACOBS. 



Mrs. D. is sick with a fever. So much for a 
marine list. 

** Shall we thank you for the information your 
letters contain ? I Leheve I may as well defer 
the expression of our gratitude till we meet. 
''Your affectionate 

Father and Friend." 

[to an absent daughter.] 

'' May 13th, 183'2. 

^^Mij dear Child, — I begin by the flattering 
assurance, that we miss you, and scold about 
you very much : we miss you at all hours, and 
scold when the mail comes in, without bringing 
us a letter. I went this morning to the office, 
and really felt quite disappointed, on receiving 
nothing ; and then when I came home, the fam- 
ily looked very cross at me, and \ think I even 
heard one siy, it was a shame. But all coun- 
tenances brightened, this afternoon, at the sight 

of Miss E and the package of letters ; we 

thank you for writing so many. And now, as 
for ourselves ; we are all in excellent health, 
though our females, (or as Monkbarns would 
say, my womankind) are all tired down, as this 
week has been that of the great May Revolution. 
Oh ! that dreaded white washing, — but even 
cleaning house, cannot be made to last forever, 
and it is now, I believe, past for the present. 

*' Affairs with us are siill interestincr thouo^h 
there is not so decided an attention to religion, 
as a few months ago. We have had one convert 
this week, a Catholic girl, and although there 
are, I believe, no new cases of conviction, there 



BELA JACOBS. 271 

is, I thinks more feeling in the minds of some 
who have been for some time serious. I expect 
to baptize five next Sabbath. 

'' I have married two couples this week, and 
in contrast to these things, have attended two fu- 
nerals. Such is life, sunshine and shade. 

*' And now, my dear girl, let me congratulate 
you that you are getting on so well, and let me 
also advise, as your friend and father should, 
the child so dear to him. I want you ever to 
feel the importance of your trust, as possessing 
a rational and accountable being — I want you 
to seek for wisdom from on high, cultivate, oh, 
cultivate assiduously, piety of heart ; this is the 
most effectual safeguard from all danger. 

'' With regard to one part of your last letter, 
we rejoice to learn that you acted as you did. 
You did right, my dear, both as it respects your 
own conscience, and the proper dignity wtiich 
you should maintain : study the truest propriety 
in all you do. I have found two short questions 
useful to me. 1st. Is the action right in the 
sight of God ? 2d. Is it proper for me in my 
present situation ? If either of these questions 
can admit a negative, do it not, though your 
whole heart be set on it. You are much on our 
hearts when we address the throne, and there 
you too, I hope, remember us." 

[to the same.] 

" June 13th, 1832. 

*' My dear Child, — My greatest solicitude re- 
specting you, is as it relates to your mind, lest, 
situated, as from your sister's report you seem 



272 BELA JACOBS. 

to be, you sliould lose the sweet comfort of hope. 
The place in which you live, seems cold and 
stupid ; but you know my dear, where to ^o to 
get your heart warmed, and to keep it so. Main- 
tain daily intercourse with Heaven, and never let 
business or pleasure break in upon the sacred 
moments. 

*'You inquire, if we think it advisable for you 
to take a Bible class. You know my opinion 
of them in general, and I should think in this 
instance, it would be profitable to yourself and 
others. Your general acquaintance with the 
Scriptures, with ancient customs, localities, &lc. 
and your habit of knowing how such things are 
done, will all come in play. A prayerful peru- 
sal of the lesson, will materially assist you, and 
you will find your ability to teach, becoming 
more and more as you proceed. 

*' I would advise you to begin with the gos- 
pels, the most important, and the most simple 
part of Holy Writ. I would not let the exercise 
exceed one hour, and don't forget the appli- 
cation ! 1 send by the bearer of this, the best 
helps. 

*' You are often on our hearts, and our absent 
child is never forgotten, when we bow at the 
foot of the throne, in family worship. 

"Yours truly, by every tie, B. J." 

[to the same.] 

" Cambridge, Angu^ 22d, 1832. 

*' 317/ Sj — I suppose your sister, our Corres- 
ponding Secretary, is writing you all the news, 
such as that Dr. Chaplin preached for us on last 



BELA JACOBS, 273 

Lord's-day, and that Mr.Neal is to preach on the 
next. But perhaps you ask, Does not papa preach? 

yes, the last Lord's day was an exchange, and 

1 baptize on the next. Dr. Going was here yes- 
terday, it is a pity you were not at home. 

*' The Gibraltar has arrived, bringing us let- 
ters from India; Oliver has sent me some idolsy 
which I have not yet brought home. Dr. Go- 
ing says, he thinks I have idols enough already; 
what think you 1 

'' You express some fear about the cholera in 
this region ; I think there is no reason for alarm. 
Boston is said to be unusually healthy, and 
should that disease come, it is His hand that 
holds the pestilence. 

** Let us, my daughter, endeavor to live in the 
constant exercise of faith in the Lord, and habit- 
ual readiness to submit to His holy will, what- 
ever that will may be. With the Bible for our 
companion to the borders of eternity, and Jesus 
for our guide through the dark valley, we will 
fear no evil." 

[to the same.] 

" Cambridge, January 31st, 1834. 

'* My dear Child, — We feel lonely sometimes, 
since Aunt Rachel's death, and our Sarah's ab- 
sence, but we take courage, as we remember 
that two of the months have rolled away, and 
that the other sixteen will soon be fled, when, if 
the Lord will, we shall all meet again at our own 
dear home. 

** My dear S always remember that you 

are a professor of religion, and that many eyes 
23 



274 BELA JACOBS. 

are upon you; especially forget not the all-seeing 
Eye. ' Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy/ 
even should you be prevented from attending 
public worship. 

*' With regard to the news, I presume the 
scribblers around me, if I may judge by the 
noise of the pens and the tongues, will give you 
all there is. We found, after you left us, that 

your father's picture was missing. I told L 

to say to you in a former letter, that Rachel-like, 
you had stolen your father's image. Does it 
console you in the absence of the original? 

*' I have received an answer to the letter you 
wrote for me, just before you left us, to Mr. R 
of B ; he says, 

*' 'You cannot at the East conceive of the ne- 
cessity of primary schools. I knoiv^ from actual 
observation, having visited every settlement in 
the state ; and should be willing to hazard every 
thing on the truth of the assertion, that not one 

female in ten, in the whole state of can 

read. Tell this to your daughters, and I am 
persuaded that their sex in will not be with- 
out their daily prayers for the success of the 
cause in which their father labors/ 

** What an appeal to females of New England. 
God bless you, my child, and make you useful, is 
the constant prayer of your alFectionate father." 

[to the same.] 

" April 7th, 1834. 

*' My dear Child, — Something was whisper- 
ed in my ear, the other day, which, as your par- 
ticular friend, I will mention. I allude to your 



BELA JACOBS. 



275 



communing with the Presbyterians. Now as 
you had not yet mentioned this, you will won- 
der, perhaps, how I heard it. * A bird of the 
air you know.' I shall not now attempt a vin- 
dication of what is termed ' Close Communion,' 
but only express mj hopes, that in future, what- 
ever may be your own views, you will maintain 
a course of conduct strictly Baptist. I certainly 
wish you to treat all, however they may differ 
from you, with the utmost kindness, and good 
feeling; you know this has always been my 
course. 

*' I trust, my dear, that you will not suppose 
that I conceive this an unpardonable sin. You 
know I do not so look on it ; but 1 wish you to 
avoid giving offence, or wounding the feelings of 
any one. And I desire that my daughter should 
escape even the shadow of censure. 

** You ask particulars respecting your Aunt 
R's exit. She finished her course in the cham- 
ber in which you left her ; dying in her chair, 
leaning on the bosom of your mamma. She 
sleeps now in Mr. Hovey's tomb. 

** Present my (what shall I call it ? re- 
spect is a cold term to go to the warm South,) 
best love to your kind friends Mr. and Mrs. W. 
• — tell them they have an important trust in 
my child. Adieu, dear S." 

" June 3d, 1834. 

" My Dear, — I wrote you, in my last, that I 
expected to resign after May, but at the annual 
meeting of the Western Bap. Ed. Society, there 
was so much interest manifested, and I was so- 



276 BELA JACOBS. 

licited so strongly to go on, that I have consent- 
ed to another year's service. This will necessa- 
rily take me much from home, hut not for long 
journies — as my field of lahor will lie princi- 
pally in New England. We had, during the 
last week, the most interesting meetings 1 ever 
witnessed. Mr. Reed, from London, addressing 
the N. Ed. Society, electrified the congregation, 
with his warm and insinuating eloquence ; and 
forty-five scholarships of seventy-five dollars 
each, were taken on the spot. 

*' I am very busy just now, in getting out anoth- 
er report ; when out, it will of course find its 
way to Georgia. 

'* Your dear mamma is much hotter, and even 
thinks of dismissing her physician to-day. We 
are rejoiced to learn that your health is so good : 
still continue to be prudent ; watch over your 
health and heart, and life. How rejoiced would 
your father be to know, that by your becoming 
Christian deportment, any one had been induced 
to think more favorably of religion, and to turn 
to the Savior. 

'^ I presume from your last, that you are now 
completely Southernized ; has Mr. Webster this 
word? no matter. I am engaged, you know, in 
promoting education, and if I should now and 
then make a word, it would be a thing of course. 

** I want you to tell me if the slaves receive 
much instruction ; if they have preaching, &lc. 
^' Your affectionate Parent.'' 

[to another child.] 
'' Cambridge, September 8th, 1834. 
'* My dear L, — I found it very lonely, when 



BELA JACOBS. 



277 



I came home on Saturday night, and learned 
that you had gone. It was right, however, that 
you should go to your sick friend. I hope she will 
continue to improve. I believe we have no news 
since you left, except that important item in do- 
mestic life — a change of help. Your mamma 
has, instead of her Irish girl, one still more Irish, 
a lass as green as the Emerald Isle itself. Your 
mamma, in addition to all her other employ- 
ments, has taken upon herself to beg a carpet for 
the meeting house. Many of the people have 
very much wondered that she should take this 
service upon her, and Mrs. says that no- 
body is required to forgive more than seventy 
times; but she is mistaken ; for you know it is 
seventy times seven ; and we have not forgiven 
half that number yet. Your mother's reply is, 
that the meeting-house has done no wrong. 

'*Your ever affectionate Father.'' 

" Cambridge, September 18th, 1834. 

'* Dear S, — I wrote a letter to L. the other 

day, telling her that if Mr. B has, as he 

says, been intrusted with the secrets of the 
Western Baptists, he will find them to amount 
to little more than the famous masonic myste- 
ries. We want to see your sister very much, as 
she has now been away for five weeks. But you 
ask, how is it with regard to the other daughter, 
who has been absent almost twice five months. 
Ah ! we wish to see her more than we can tell, 
and in the expectation of that happy day, I take 
leave of you. 

*'Do you pride yourself on the legibility q{ 
23* 



278 BELA JACOBS. 

your hand-writing, or the reverse ? The Lord 
bless you, my dear chikl, and return you to our 
arms, is the prayer of your father. 

Bela Jacobs." 

In 1835, Mr. Jacobs prepared a third Report, 
from which, as it was never published, a few ex- 
tracts will now be given. 

'* Since liberty is nursed by knowledge, and 
since every year the balance of political power 
leans more and more westward, and as the At- 
lantic States must soon be far inferior in num- 
bers to their sisters, the daughters of the Missis- 
sippi, let us look at the mental and moral condi- 
tion of our future masters. Is the ark of our 
freedom to be intrusted to an ignorant populace? 
Say, rather, shall not New England send forth 
her intelligent sons to act efficiently and wisely 
on those minds, which are so soon either for 
good or for evil, to control the destinies of this 
whole nation. 

** Effectually to counteract the influence of 
the Catholics, Protestants should establish schools 
of every grade, in every part of our land, under 
the guidance of educated and pious teachers; 
teachers, who will ^ leave their mark' on the 
minds of untold numbers ; teachers able and 
willing to exert a holy influence, to originate 
and maintain an atmosphere of religious and 
prayerful intelligence all around them. On the 
speedy and efficient measures of all true patriots 
and Christians hang suspended incalculable re- 
sults. 

**Oh for a voice of power to reach every ear, 
and thrill through every heart, from Louisiana to 



BELA JACOBS. 279 

the Canadas — for burning words to wake every 
sleeping Christian in these states. 

' <« t Will ye sleep on now, and take your rest ? ' 
The providence of God says, ' It is enough — the 
hour is come — arise.' 

*' Should this lethargy continue fifty, nay 
twenty years, what will be the condition of our 
beloved country ? On every lovely hill, once 
the chosen residence of civil and religious free- 
dom, behold the convent of superstition ! In every 
smiling valley, see the churches of that idola- 
trous faith, where, instead of truth, and rational 
devotion, are heard senseless prayers to the Vir- 
gin and the saints. Are these vain imagin- 
ings ? Even now, the horizon is dark with the 
rising cloud ; already it is larger than a man's 
hand. Shall it vanish harmless into nothing, 
and leave our sky bright as ever, or shall it rise, 
and darken and lower, till the whole heavens 
have gathered blackness, and the storm is full 
upon us? " 



CHAPTER XVI. 



MR. JACOBS DEATH REMARKS. 

In the '' Christian Watchman'' of May 28th,. 
1836, appeared the following notice. 

*'Last Sabbath morning, the Rev. Bela Jacobs, 
pastor of the Baptist church in East Cambridge, 
was taken from us in a manner truly distressing. 
Mr. Jacobs still lived at his residence in Cam- 
bridge-port, which rendered it necessary that he 
should ride to meeting. Mrs. Jacobs was with 
him in the carriage, and they arrived at the 
meeting-house in safety; he had just driven up 
to the steps of the church, and, having dropped 
the reins, was about getting out. At this mo- 
ment the bell, having been set, again struck, and 
so frightened his horse, that he sprang forward 
and ran furiously, bringing the chaise in contact 
with the corner of a building near the church. 
The head of Mr. Jacobs struck against the build- 
ing, which produced a fracture of the skull, and 
he survived only about one hour. It is unneces- 
sary for us to describe the gloom which this sad 
catastrophe has cast over the town and city. It 
is, however, mitigated by the encouraging pros- 
pect that Mrs. Jacobs, though seriously injured, 
will be restored to her accustomed sphere of use- 
fuhiess, amid the circle of her Christian friend- 



BELA JACOBS. 281 

ships, and to tlie bosom of that dear family which 
has been nurtured by her maternal care." 

Of those who read this notice, many, doubt- 
less, gave it not a second thought ; some who 
knew the subject of it, felt interested for a time, 
and a few mourned as they missed him, day by 
day; but who could estimate the bitterness of wo 
which this event had introduced into five young, 
and till then, happy hearts, or fully sympathise 
with the sorrow of their beloved and suffering 
mother ? 

Having completed the extracts from my fa- 
ther's journals and letters, I shall now address 
the reader in my own person, while I give the 
few remaining particulars of his life. As I have 
aimed at making him his own biographer as far 
as possible, selecting those extracts which seem- 
ed to me, at once, best to express his character, 
and continue the history of his life, I shall now 
mention briefly, some of his tastes and habits, 
hoping to meet with the same indulgence while 
fulfilling this part of my duty, which I trust has 
been accorded to the very few remarks I have 
judged it necessary to make for the purpose of 
connecting the narrative already given. 

On the 23d of August, 1835, my father became 
the pastor of the second Baptist Church in Cam- 
bridge. To this new people he devoted himself 
with his characteristic energy during the remain- 
der of his life. As the distance was very trifling, 
only two miles, and as we were all connected 
with the First church, we did not remove from 
our home at the Port. My father seldom, how- 



282 



BELA JACOBS. 



ever, went alone, but was usually accompanied 
by my mother once on the Sabbath, and by 
another member of his family on the other part 
of the day. 

It will be remembered that this church was 
that of which his lamented friend, Mr. Weston, 
had been the pastor ; and he used to say, that, 
occupying the pulpit of a man so eminently holy, 
he felt himself required to be doubly diligent in 
the performance of his duties. 

His successor at East Cambridge, the Rev. 
Mr. Hervey, says, *' Though no extraordinary 
occurrences attended his ministry with this peo- 
ple, yet during the short period of nine months, 
there was an increasing interest in the congrega- 
tion, and a growing attachment to him as a pas- 
tor and preacher." And well did he deserve 
this affection, by his untiring efforts to promote 
the best interests of his new charge. My father 
never made any attempts towards what is tech- 
nically called, getting up a revival, but ever 
went steadily forward, imparting all the informa- 
tion in his power, and aiming at the gradual but 
constant improvement of his people in knowledge 
and holiness. He loved to preach, but was, I 
think, never more happily employed, than when 
teaching a Bible class. The study of the word 
of God was his favorite pursuit, and he rendered 
it attractive to others by his simple, cheerful 
earnestness. 

While at East Cambridge he took great inter- 
est in his Sabbath School, at which he was 
usually present ; and though he did not always 
address the school, yet it seems to me, the calm, 



BELA JACOBS. 283 

benevolent look with which he watched our pro- 
ceedings, was of itself sufficient to encourage 
both teachers and pupils in the performance of 
their pleasant task. As from his connection 
with the Board for Foreign Missions, he pos- 
sessed ample information concerning the various 
stations, he succeeded in exciting in the minds 
of his people a deeper interest in missionary op- 
erations than they had ever before felt. His 
was truly a missionary heart ; and as he repre- 
sented the toils and pleasures, the successes and 
disappointments of Judson, Boardman, Wade, 
and others, whom he had personally known, and 
painted the degradation and wretchedness of the 
heathen world, and then drew a rapid sketch of 
Burmah, civilized. Christian, and elevated ; his 
eye would kindle and his words flow fast and 
warm ; while his hearers felt that to them, too, it 
would be a joy to bear some part in so high an 
enterprise. 

On the 20th December, 1835, my father 
preached all day, in his former pulpit at the Port. 
As this was his last sermon to this his rnuch- 
loved people, I will quote his very appropriate 
text ; *' Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you 
the gospel which I preached unto you, which 
also ye have received, and wherein ye stand ; 
by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in mem- 
ory what I preached unto you, unless ye have 
believed in vain." 1st Corinthians, xv. 1, 2. 

Since he had been at East Cambridge, he had 
been confined by sickness but two Sabbaths ; 
during the winter of 35, 36, he had enjoyed tol- 
erable health ; but as the spring opened, he suf- 



284 EELA. JACOBS. 

fered considerably from frequent attacks of spas- 
modic asthma. The last entrance in his hand- 
writing in his text-book, is " May 15th, Sick." 
Daring the week succeeding, he was unable to 
lie down, and on the morning of the 22d was 
quite unfit to preach ; indeed he made two in- 
effectual attempts to obtain a supply. When he 
learned the failure of the last, about twenty min- 
utes before time for service, he smiled sadly, as 
he was slowly and with difficulty drawing his 
boots on his swollen feet, and said, '* Well, there 
is rest in heaven." Had he known that these 
were to be his last words at home, could he have 
chosen better ? 

The text he had selected for the morning on 
which he died, was "Enter ye in at the strait 
gate ; " but before his lips could pronounce it in 
the temple dedicated to the service of God, he 
had himself entered the city whose "gates 
shall not be shut at all," and wherein is " no 
temple ; for the Lord God Almighty, and the 
Lamb are the temple of it." 

The circumstances attending his death, so 
sudden, so strange ; the place, his own church- 
door ; the time, the morning of the Sabbath ; 
the immediate cause, the tolling of the bell ; all 
excited great interest in this town and its vicin- 
ity. The sympathy and kindness shown us, 
though not then so much valued, when we only 
felt crushed and stunned with our sorrow, have 
since been gratefully remembered. 

My father's last words were, as all his words 
had been, those of kindness and love. My moth- 
er recollects that he said, *^We must go over, but 



BELA JACOBS. 2S5 

donH, my dear, be frightened." She beard then 
a crash as the chaise struck the building, and 
when she next awoke to consciousness, we were 
desolate. 

'* On Tuesday, the 24th May, Mr. Jacobs was 
interred. Tiie funeral services commenced at 
3 o'clock, P. M., in his church, which was filled 
to overflowing at an early hour. The Rev. Mr. 
Aldrich offered the first, prayer, Mr. Stow, of the 
second Baptist church in Boston, delivered an 
affecting sermon from Luke xxiii. 28. ' Weep 
not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for 
your children.' 

*'In his application of this peculiarly well-adapt- 
ed text, to the extraordinary occasion on which 
his numerous auditory had assembled, Mr. Stow 
was very happy and faithful. His allusion to 
the escape and situation of the wounded widow, 
and his address to the orphan children, melted 
every heart." — Clir, Watchman, 

There are three villages in the town of Cam- 
bridge, and with each is the memory of my fath- 
er associated. In one he lived and preached, in 
the second he preached and died, and in the 
third he sleeps till the resurrection. He lies in 
the tomb of L. Farwell, Esq., to whose house he 
came first in Cambridge, and whose house has 
again received him, to wait there till this friend 
and brother shall take his place beside him. 

My father had preached at East Cambridge 
rather more than one hundred sermons ; the last 
was on May 8th ; the text, *' He that hath ears 
to hear, let him hear.'^ Was not his death, too, 
a sermon ? 

24 



286 



BELA JACOBS. 



Though not an accurate writer or speaker, 
his preaching had always more effect on the 
minds of his children, than the most able ef- 
forts of any other minister. This arose from 
our full and perfect confidence in his sincerity 
and piety : the more we studied, the more we 
revered his character ; his was not a religion 
sometimes worn as a bright robe, and sometimes 
tarnished with spots, and disfigured by rents and 
unsightly patches ; but a garment plain and sim- 
ple always, and always pure and pleasing. 

When, growing up from childhood, we some- 
times remarked the inconsistencies and capri- 
ciousness of the professedly pious, and were al- 
most ready to find fault with religion itself, which 
we saw so ** wounded in the house of its friends, '^ 
we were saved from this error by contemplating 
the character of our father, so kind, so gentle, 
so cneerful, and we felt that it was a desirable 
thing to possess the religion whose efiects were 
so lovely in him. 

There was one trait in his cliaracter, to which 
nothing that he wrote does justice, but which was 
eminently conspicuous in social intercourse. 
I mean his cheerfulness; whatever stiffness 
there might be in his writings, there was none 
in his conversation. At home, when perfect- 
ly at ease, he was always playful and enter- 
taining without effort to himself, and without be- 
coming tedious to others. His constant cheer- 
fulness was the more remarkable, as being exer- 
cised while under the pressure of incessant dis- 
ease ; and frequently has some amusing remark 
called a smile from those who were watching his 
-.fl-orinors with painful interest. 



BELA JACOBS. 



287 



The little room in which he sat to inhale the 
fumes of burning saltpetre, (the only thing from 
which he derived any relief,) he was in the hab- 
it of calling his ** den." A gentleman who saw 
him on one of these occasions, began to express 
his sorrow at finding him so much distressed, 
and, not expecting an answer, his surprise was 
great, as my father, gasping for breath, shook 
his hand, and with a smile, said, 

" What! beard the lion in his den^ 
The Douglas in his halll " 

He always loved to see all his family around 
him ; the absence of one from his table or fire- 
side, seemed to disturb his comfort, and the 
anxious inquiry whether sickness was the cause, 
was followed by a summons to the absent one, 
and the message that papa was waiting, — an ir- 
resistible plea. A sad look, or even the absence 
of the accustomed smile, was sure to be noticed 
by him, and he never rested, till he had, by his 
own cheerful ways, succeeded in winning all his 
household to be happy. He loved *^ the sun- 
shine of kind looks, and music of kind voices.'' 

He could, when necessary, administer Veproof 
very forcibly, but even then, the gentleness of 
his nature was evinced in the manner in which 
it was done. Some young ladies at his house 
were one day talking about one of their female 
friends. As he entered the room, he heard the 
epithets ** odd," '* singular, '^ &c., applied; he 
asked and was told the name of the individual 
jfl question, ** Yes," said he gravely, '' she is 



288 



BELA JACOBS. 



an odd young lady, she is a very odd young lady; I 
consider her extremely singular ;" he then added 
impressively, '' she was never heard to speak ill 
of an absent friend." The rebuke was not soon 
fora^otten by those who heard it. 

He rarely punished his children ; his own ev- 
ident, unaffected grief at any wrong committed, 
was usually sufficient to deter from what was so 
certain to grieve one so tenderly loved. On one 
occasion, however, I remember a serious in- 
stance of disobedience ; the children were all 
called into his study, and when he had, with 
tears, expressed his sorrow at his child's mis- 
conduct, he knelt, and putting his arm round 
the offending one, he implored the Father of all, 
to forgive a child who had broken His commands 
by refusing to obey her mother. That child 
never forgot that prayer, nor would the most 
stubborn heart have refused to repent of a sin, 
punished, not in anger, but in such sorrowful af- 
fection. Penitence was expressed before leaving 
him, and his kiss seemed to seal her forgiveness 
on earth and in heaven. 

V/hen tired, my father always wished for 
music, and few evenings passed when he did not 
have some of his children play for him. He had 
himself a pleasant voice, and could sing the air 
and bass of almost any tune he had heard. At 
evening prayers, he usually had a hymn sung; 
and there are some hymns which to us are hal- 
lowed by his fondness tor them ; one beginning, 

" While Thee I seek, protecting power," 



BELA JACOBS. 289 

he always had sung to the tune called '^ Brattle 
St." Another favorite, was Kirk White's hymn 
— '' The Star of Bethlehem," to which he had 
appropriated the Scotch air of *' Bonnie Doon." 
*« Arlington" was set apart for the hymn com- 
mencing, 

" Oh ! for a closer walk with God." 

and " Auld Lang Syne " was made sacred to us, 
as we sang it to 

" When I can read my title clear, 
To mansions in the skies." 

I think our only other common hymn of an 
evening was, 

'' The day is past and gone." 

which had a Methodist tune of its own. Well 
may we say, '^ music is sorrowful, now he is 
gone." 

His favorite recreation in summer, was the 
cultivation of a garden ; to his trees and flowers 
he came, when pained and tired with man, and 
man's selfishness, and was soothed. I think 
some of his best sermons were composed, not 
in his study with his pen and books, but while 
walking in his garden. 

Cowper was decidedly his favorite author, fur- 
nishing him with mottos for all occasions. Next 
to Cowper, he placed foung, whose *' Night 
Thoughts" he was very fond of reading. The 
winter evenings, when he had no engagements, 
were devoted to the instruction of his children ; 
24* 



290 BELA JACOBS. 

then the books were brought ; the lessons re- 
viewed ; all kinds of questions were discussed, 
and stories were told. Oh ! no evenings ever 
passed so pleasantly as those. Few know — why 
do I say few ? none can know the loss we have 
sustained ; to his children, he was guide, coun- 
sellor, friend, play-fellow, every thing. His 
presence ever gave additional enjoyment to the 
social circle, his absence for a day even was re- 
gretted. Perhaps there was more tenderness 
mingling with our feelings for him than is usu- 
ally the case ; he was so often sick, he was so 
dependent on others for attention and comfort, 
and we were so accustomed to minister to his 
wants, that with the reverence we felt for him 
as our father and our pastor, there was a touch 
of care for him, a watching over him which en- 
deared him to us beyond expression. We felt 
how necessary we were to him, and we loved 
him the more for his ill health, and frequent 
helplessness, 

I have not attempted a regular analysis of my 
father's character ; for this I refer the reader to 
the «' Sketch" by the Rev. Mr. Sears. I have on- 
ly wished to convey some faint idea of that love- 
liness of disposition which threw such a charm 
around his home. 

Had his papers been of a literary or scientific 
character, their arrangement would have been 
entrusted to other hands than mine ; but being as 
they are, the daily jottings down of religious feel- 
ing, or the unstudied record of familiar things, I 
fancied whatever of interest they might have to 
his friends, would not be diminished from the 



BELA JACOBS. 291 

fact, that a daughter's hand presented them. 
But if, by my awkwardness, I shall in any degree 
have lessened the respect entertained for him 
while living, or the affection in which his mem- 
ory is held, I shall feel that I have been laying 
unholy hands on the Ark of God. S. S. J. 

Cambridge, May, 1837. 



ON THE DEATH OF REV. B. JACOBS. 

From the Harvardiaim^ for June, 1836. 



*' Lay the form once loved and cherished 

In its chamber dark and deep ; 
And the hopes that with him perished, 

In the cold clay let them sleep : 
And the earth shall slumber lightly 

On the heart no love conld save. 
And the dew that falleth nightly, 

Shall be tears above his grave. 

" But the hearts that now are cheerless, 

Who shall be their earthly stay? 
And the eyes that once were tearless, 

Who shall wipe those tears away 7 
Hopes there are, shall softly brighten 

E'er the mourner's saddened eye, 
And a ray the heart shall lighten ; 

'T is a day beam from on high. 

''jAll that clogged the living spirit. 

To its clay we give once more ; 
But the soul it did inherit, 

Hath its home beyond our shore. 
Every link that now is broken. 

Closes in that brighter home ; 
Every tear-drop beams a token 

Of a cloudless joy to come." H. 



BELA JACOBS, 293 

The following lines express some of the 
thoughts with which we attempt, sometimes alas ! 
how vainly, to console ourselves for the manner 
in which my father was taken from us. They 
are inserted here at the request of a friend 

S. S. J. 

" Rise, said the Master, come unto the feast : 
He heard the callj and rose with willing feet." 

Death to the Christian — ' tis a glorious thing, 
From earth to flee away, and be at rest, 

Where sin no more can its cold shadow fling 
Upon the soul — to be forever blest 

In life, and love, and joy. and endlessly 

To worship God from pain and sorrow free. 

Death to the Pastor — He who others fed 
With words of truth, and purity, and love. 

Beside siill waters now himself is led 
By the Great Shepherd, in the fields above; 

A crown of glory resting on his head, 

In the bright regions of the blessed dead* 

Death of a sudden — ne'er to know the grief 
Of separation, from the loved and left ; 

He did not fall as falls the dying leaf, 
Lingering as loth to leave its stem bereft. 

Surely 't was better with one rapid bound, 

Springing from earth, to reach the heavenly gTound. 

Death on the Sabbath— to lay down the clay 
That cumbered himj then fetterless and free, 

On wings untried before, to mount, and be 
Forever with the Lord ; and, on the day 

Which Jesus made the holiest of the seven, 

To leave the church on earth for that of heaven. 

Glorious the change — 't was his. 'T was his the song 
Unmixed with tones of earth, to hear and sing ; 

Bowing, amid the crowned angelic throng, 
'T was his, fresh joy to heaven's courts to bring; j 



294 BELA JACOBS. 

For a new voice was heard before the throne, 
Another harp gave forth its joyous tone. 

Death by the house of God. Ah ! it was meet 
That holy man should die on holy ground, 

Though at the threshold stayed his entering feet, 
Though in his sacred desk he was not found, -rn 

He, looking upward, saw he already trod, 

The living temple of the Eternal God. 



SKETCH OF THE CHARACTER 

OF 

REV. BELA JACOBS. 

BY PROFESSOR BARNAS SEARS,^OF NEWTON. 

In all biographical sketches, the exhibition of 
character is a principal course of interest. In the 
case of the character before us especially, there 
is less of incide than of character to attract 
attention. The 1 e of Mr. Jacobs is interwoven 
with no great political events, to lend it a charm ; 
with nothing in the progress of science, and let- 
ters, to awaken the curiosity of the learned ; — 
with no marvellous adventures ; it presents the 
quiet scene of a Christian pastor's labors, where 
the unobtrusive virtues alone, shining purely by 
their own lustre, grace the narrative. But thoug^h 
the foregoing memoirs are destitute of that glare 
that dazzles in the fortunes and vicissitudes of 
men distinguished more for greatness than for 
goodness ; they have the more solid merit of ex- 
hibiting a character, which, if studied, admired, 
and imitated, as it deserves, would remedy some 
of the worst evils of the present times, and revive 
some of the most sterling virtues of the past. 



296 BELA JACOBS. 

Mr. Jacobs was trained in the practical school 
of our fathers, and was among the few remain- 
ing specimens of mioisterial character, formed 
by the writings of Fuller, and the example of 
Baldwin. Our rising ministry is furnished with 
a greater amount of critical learning, and train- 
ed to more exciting, if not to more efficient 
modes of action ; yet we linger with delight upon 
the remains of a former generation, and indulge 
in heart-felt sorrow, when w^e think that its pe- 
culiar virtues, simplicity, discretion, and noise- 
less activity, are already sensibly diminished 
among us. Though we do not, upon tlie whole, 
desire, that the wheel of revolution should roll 
backward, we could wish that the practical good 
sense, the modest worth, the unfeverish zeal, 
and the disinterested policy of the fathers of our 
New England churches, might be ingrafted upon 
the schooled wisdom, and mechanical energy of 
their sons. We believe that the contemplation 
of such a character as that of the lamented Ja- 
cobs, would be salutary both to inexperienced 
pastors, and candidates for the sacred office, and 
to the religious community in general. 

In giving a view of his character, we begin 
with a few words upon his intellectual powers. 

He loas a man of sound understanding. He 
had no shining qualities of intellect, but possess- 
ed a large share of common sense. He was 
more Roman than Grecian in the order of his 
mind ; had more practical sense than genius. 
Moral reasoning interested him most as intellec- 
tual exercise ; and in treating subjects of this 
nature, he always manifested a shrewd, dis- 
criminating mind. 



BELA JACOBS. 297 

His judgment was decidedly the predominant 
power of his intellect. He w^as clear-sighted, 
and penetrating, and seized with masculine en- 
ergy upon the essential points of a question. It 
was upon princijjles that he fixed his chief atten- 
tion, and was, therefore, pretty sure in his con- 
clusions. In the exercise of his judgment he 
was independent ; his judgment was his own, 
and founded on the nature of things, and from 
its decisions, the turbulence of popular opinion 
could not move hirn. But he was not one of 
those who are blinded by their own ingenuity. 
A sentiment was none the better for originating 
with himself. Truth weighed more with him 
than originality. Just views, however simple, 
or common-place, charmed him more than nov- 
elty. 

As to his taste, he was pleased with simple 
beauty in every form. Without any pretensions 
to being a connoisseur, he was a good judge 
of poetry and eloquence ; and in works of art 
could easily distinguish between artificial orna- 
ments and natural beauty. In his reading he 
was select, choosing rather to read a few stand- 
ard authors frequently, than to range at large, 
through works of various merit. Cowper was 
his favorite poet, and was almost as familiar to 
him as the bible. Fuller was his divine, and 
Campbell his biblical critic. With the manlj 
sense, just views, and elevated feelings of these 
writers, he had a natural sympathy ; and their 
works, '' ten times repeated," were still read with 
new interest. 

But the highest excellencies of his mind were 
25 



298 BELA JACOBS. 

of a moral nature. In natural talent, he had 
many equals ; in intellectual culture, many su- 
periors ; but in moral worth he \yas pre-eminent. 
Strict integrity was among the brightest of 
his virtues* He had an honest heart ; and with 
him, a sense of right and wrong was authoraita- 
tive — principle was sovereign. No man who 
knew hira, ever feared, that he would not have 
courage and firmness to stand by the decisions 
of his conscience. He acted with a confidence 
that what was right would sustain him, and 
though kind and conciliating in manner, he 
did not feel himself at liberty to tamper with 
the dignity of truth for the sake of pleasing oth- 
ersr 

Yet, few men knew better than he how to dis- 
tinguish between settled principles and probable 
views of truth or of duty. He was eagle-eyed 
in discovering the desertion of a principle under 
the disguise of expediency ; and his adherence 
to it was never the obstinacy of a stubborn will, 
but the virtuous tenacity of a conscientious mind. 
Next, if not first among his excellent traits 
of character, vf?i^\\\s modesty. He entertained 
no lofty views of his own importance, made no 
claims to distinction, envied no man's talents or 
honors. His meek and quiet spirit secured him 
against the fermentations of an unholy ambition. 
His desire was not so much to occupy a con- 
spicuous station, as to adorn an humble one. 
But this feeling did not spring from a mere 
tameness of disposition. It was a pure and lofty 
sense of moral dignity, which made him look 
down upon petty strifes for worldly distinction, 



BELA JACOBS. 299 

as unworthy of the Christian name. He never 
put himself in the attitude of receiving flattery 
from his friends, never indulged a vain curiosity 
respecting the opinion entertained of his public 
performances. Such methods of gratifying a 
grovelling passion, were utterly abhorrent to his 
nature. His vanity did not betray him into in- 
direct self-commendation, by recounting how 
many had been converted under his ministry, or 
how a church or congregation had prospered 
under his care. While he readily acknowledg- 
ed the goodness of God to him in these respects, 
(for which he had great occasion,) he dwelt 
with more pleasure on the success of others, 
and esteemed others better than himself 

Though his generosity might be inferred from 
what we have already said, it was so important 
a feature of his mind, as to deserve particular no*- 
tice. His feelings were instinctively noble and 
magnanimous. Nothing was farther from him 
than sullen disaffection, when things did not go 
to his mind. His importance was not shown by 
embarrassing others, if they would not consent 
to his views. He knew nothing of the selfish^ 
ness of seeking to build up his own church, or 
society, at the expense of the general good ; 
but was ready to make sacrifices aJ this point, 
if the interests of religion required it. If the 
formation of a new church in his vicinity would 
diminish his own, or require much labor from 
him in its early struggles for existence, the gen- 
erosity of his nature, no less than religious 
principle, determined his mind at once to choose 
the nobler course. So, in considering any public 



300 BELA JACOBS. 

measure, his inquiry was not bow it would affect 
him personally, but whether it would best pro- 
mote the cause of truth. He was equally gen- 
erous in giving and in receiving ministerial aid, 
being neither parsimonious in the one, nor 
greedy of the other. The great law of recip- 
rocal kindness exercised sovereign control over 
his conduct; and his life exemplified, better 
than words can show, the inestimable value of a 
noble spirit in a minister of the gospel. 

He was as affectionate as he was generous. 
He was cordial and sincere in his friendships, 
and was never suspected of forming them upon 
mere policy. He felt a fraternal interest in the 
happiness of the families under his pastoral care. 
With the afflicted, he sympathised with unusual 
tenderness. When he preached, it was with a 
mixture of pious zeal and personal affection, 
which gave a peculiar charm to his ministry. 
Strangers could not fully appreciate his worth, 
for it w^as not all on the outside; nor could they 
easily understand why his discourses were so 
relished by his flock. They did not know what 
a capital point he had gained before coming into 
the pulpit, by getting every heart in his posses- 
sion. Goodness has here a power beyond what 
talent can give. 

He was uniformly cheerful. He was lively, 
and even playful in his conversation, but with- 
out levity ; and was grave without moroseness. 
There was, in him, a rare union of sobriety and 
cheerfulness. Equable calmness and serenity of 
mind, in which hope was predominant, were the 
most striking characteristics of his piety. His 



BELA JACOBS. 301 

natural vivacity did not forsake him in his fre- 
quent and protracted sufferings. Where most 
men would have become a prey to melancholy, 
he continued to wear his accustomed smile ; and 
gentle sallies of innocent humor purified the at- 
mosphere of his mind from noisome vapors. He 
was a delightful fire-side companion, and was a 
welcome visiter wherever he went ; but his soci- 
ety was nowhere enjoyed with a keener relish 
than at home. 

We might mention here, his love of order, 
which he manifested in everything,— in his dis- 
courses, in his pastoral visits, — even registering 
the names of the pious and serious in each fam- 
ily, — in regulating the affairs of the numerous 
benevolent societies which he originated : and, 
in general terms, a certain harmony of character, 
which made him always consistent with himself, 
a regular adjustment and balance in the powers 
of his mind, so that from a few cardinal points 
the rest might be deduced by inference ; but we 
must drop this delineation of individual qualities, 
and proceed, though at the hazard of some little 
repetition, to present the man as he appeared in 
the complexity of his character in different 
spheres of action. 

His virtues were best known, because most 
constantly exercised, at home. In his disposition 
cheerful, in his temper even, in his affection ten- 
der, in family government mild and conscien- 
tious, and in every religious exercise cordial and 
attractive, he threw a charm around the whole 
scene of domestic life, rarely witnessed, even in 
Christian families. He was not a business man, 



302 BELA JACOBS. 

and very naturally attached less importance 
than such men do, to strict business habits. In 
training his children, he was, therefore, mainly 
anxious to render them intelligent and virtuous, 
and to lay the foundation of their usefulness in 
intellectual culture and moral habits. 

As a pastor, he was true to his character. 
There was nothing convulsive in his piety. He 
did not attempt, by terrific representations, to 
alarm his people, and to press them into the 
kingdom of heaven by a tempest of impassioned 
feeling ; but he aimed, by a uniform method of 
calm discussion and tender expostulation, at a 
constant accumulation of conviction. He would 
sooner err from excessive caution, than from 
rashness. But this kind of cautiousness may 
easily be carried so far as to become dangerous. 
With him, however, a genuine and deep concern 
for souls, restored the balance, and secured the 
existence of a warm, as well as rational piety. 

His fostering care extended to all the wants 
of his flock. His policy was, to enlist every 
member in some religious enterprise. The 
young were taught to enter into all the great de- 
signs of benevolence connected with the growth 
of Christianity, and were assiduously instructed 
in the fundamental principles of the gospel, and 
thus prepared to be its champions and support^ 
ers. If his designs and plans were not always 
carried into execution in their full extent, it was 
owing, not so much to a want of energy, as to 
the interruptions of incurable bodily disease. 

In his intercourse with the world, he main-* 
tained the dignity, and secured the respect, due 



BELA JACOBS. 303 

to his profession. He cautiously guarded against 
every impropriety, but was at the same time not 
only kind and aff^ble^ but perfectly frank in his 
demeanor, free from all aiFectation of conse- 
quence or gravity, and in his conversation high- 
ly companionable and engaging. He enjoyed 
the. confidence and personal regard, of many, 
whose religious views were totally opposite to 
his own. No man was more guarded against 
giving offence, or had fewer personal enemies. 
He was opposed to the practice of those whose 
zeal leads them to direct personal address with 
every individual, believing it better to prepare 
the way for future usefulness, than to run the 
hazard of leaving a prejudice. It is exceedingly- 
difficult to hit upon the right measure of caution 
here. If the abruptness of imprudent zeal, by 
wounding the delicacy of the refined, lowers the 
respectability, and weakens the influence of one 
class of ministers, extreme caution and civility 
as certainly unnerve the bold and direct energy 
of another class. Mr. Jacobs generally pre- 
served the due medium ; if he erred at all, it was 
in being occasionally too indirect in religious 
conversation. 

In the pulpit, it must be confessed, that with 
a considerable diversity of subjects, he had a 
sameness of manner. This defect has justly 
been attributed, in a great degree, to the power 
of an almost uninterrupted illness in cramping 
the natural activity of his mind. It might be 
added, that, in the art of sermonizing, he follow- 
ed his professed guides too faithfully. It may 
well be questioned, whether we have, upon the 



304 BELA JACOBS. 

whole, been benefited by the artificial moulds 
that have been so liberally furnished us for run- 
ning up the materials of our discourses. A uni- 
form manner, though it be tlie best in the world, 
does violence to nature, cuts off all opportunities 
for the agreeable surprises of novelty, and makes 
variety itself wear the garb of sameness. We 
could wish that Mr. Jacobs had consulted him- 
self more, and his books of directions less. But 
he was not wholly a slave to system ; far from it. 
He was, by nature, too independent for this. 
Still, in the pulpit, he cannot be said to have had 
a commanding greatness. He was orderly, 
pleasing, spiritual, and in the best sense of the 
word, edifying. Above all, the amiable spirit 
which was breathed into his discourses, the sweet 
accents with which they were uttered, and the 
unadulterated simplicity and purity of every sen- 
timent that dropped from his lips, enabled him 
to come directly to the heart, and touch the 
sympathies of his beloved flock. 

In our benevolent institutions , the influence of 
Mr. Jacobs was extensively felt. From the be- 
ginning, he was conscientiously their warm ad- 
vocate and firm supporter. The same enlarged 
and correct views, which enabled him to foresee 
the results that we now witness, made him a 
wise counsellor, and skilful manager. Here his 
worth was greatest. He was formed, by nature, 
to act in a deliberative body ; not, indeed, to oc- 
cupy the front rank in devising and proposing 
measures ; but he belonged to that class of men, 
who, though never placed at the head of affairs 
by any change of organization, are, for their sub- 



BELA JACOBS. 305 

stantial service, needed as a part of every one. 
The solidity of his character and soundness of 
his judgment in weighing the proposals of more 
elastic and brilliant minds, fitted him admirably 
to serve as a ballast to an agitated vessel. It is, 
therefore, no matter of surprise, that his name 
was eagerly sought to be placed on boards of 
trust, and that it was steadily retained, till a 
mysterious providence removed him, and created 
a vacancy simultaneously in them all. 

Such was the character of the man, whose 
useful career, for a long series of years, during 
the most important period of our history, as a 
denomination, contributed largely to our present 
prosperity ; who was loved and prized by the 
choice spirits who were his associates in labor 
and counsel ; whose excellent clerical deport- 
ment was salutary as a model to the younger 
ministers of his acquaintance ; whose spirit, 
while living among us, exhibited to all the geni- 
us of Christianity ; and whose noble example, 
now that he is gone, is like another star, fixed 
above us, to attract by its sweet influences our 
uplifted eye, and to increase the pleasure of con- 
templating our heavenly home. 
26 



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